One Dollar 2021 J - Jolly Swagman, Coin from Australia - detailed information

The one dollar coin denomination (written as $1) was introduced in Australia in 1984, replacing the earlier banknotes. The original definitive type featuring five kangaroos has not been changed since its introduction and is still issued regularly.

Apart from the regular design, the Royal Australian Mint issues a large variety of circulating commemorative one dollar coins which have the same specifications and circulate in parallel with the definitive type - such as this one.

This circulating commemorative dollar coin is part of the The Great Aussie Coin Hunt 2 campaign - a series of 26 different $1 coins where each features a letter of the English alphabet and an Australian symbol starting with that letter. The coin for the letter J features an iconic figure from Australia's romantic past - the Jolly Swagman.

J is for the whistling Jolly Swagman - celebrated in bush poet Banjo Patterson’s renowned ballad "Waltzing Matilda". The term "swagman" originated in Australia in the 19th century and referred to a travelling labourer who walked from farm to farm in search of work. All possessions were carried in a swag, or bed roll, on his back! Although swagmen of the time may not have taken kindly to being called swagmen, the term these days is used with endearment. Did you know this iconic, swag-carrying, man of the land is referenced in "Waltzing Matilda"? "Waltzing" means walking, and "Matilda" is slang for swag. So, the title of the song means to walk with one’s swag.