This set contains three 50-cent coins commemorating Australian poet and fiction writer Dorothea Mackellar (1885 - 1968). The coins are in Aluminium Bronze, and not copper-nickel as the regular circulating 50 cent piece.
The mint says about it:
Dorothea Mackellar’s words are woven into the fabric of Australia’s cultural identity. Her poetry, rich with emotion, captures the beauty, harshness and spirit of the land she so adored.
Born in 1885, Mackellar remains a literary icon, her works reflecting a profound connection to the landscapes and contrasts of her “opal-hearted country:. Now, her timeless verses are beautifully brought to life in a set of 50 cent coins, each designed to honour her most celebrated poems.
Inspired by Dawn, the first coin captures the tranquil beauty of the road to Gunnedah, a place Mackellar held dear. As the soft light of sunrise spreads across the landscape, a delicate spider web glistens. It evokes Mackellar’s deep connection to her family property, Kurrumbede, where she was often moved by the mystic splendour of daybreak. The intricate design invites collectors to pause and marvel at the transformative power of dawn, as Mackellar did in her life and writing.
The second coin brings to life Mackellar’s most iconic poem, My Country, a love letter to the land she described as “a wilful, lavish land” of both beauty and extremes. The design is a sweeping portrait of Australia’s diverse landscapes - sunlit beaches, green forests, fertile farmlands and rugged plains; it pays homage to the country’s dramatic contrasts. Mackellar’s famous words, “I love a sunburnt country,” echo through the design, reminding us of her ability to celebrate the land’s splendour while embracing its challenges.
The final coin, inspired by The Colours of Light, is a vivid tribute to Mackellar’s lyrical mastery of colour and movement. Featuring a dazzling peacock, radiant flowers, and lush plants, this design reflects her poetic celebration of nature’s vibrancy. Mackellar has been described as a “lyricist of light,” and this coin embodies her ability to paint the Australian landscape with words. These coins are more than exquisite works of art; they are a tangible connection to Mackellar’s legacy. Available as a three-coin collection or individually, they offer poetry lovers and collectors a chance to hold a piece of Australia’s cultural heritage. This series ensures that Mackellar’s vision endures for generations to come. |
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