Between 1788 and 1868, 162 000 convicts arrived in Australia. Some were hardened criminals, whilst others were victims of poverty and desperation, or political rebels.
From a hard life of labour, symbolised by the Broad Arrow and the chain which is featured in the coin design, many convicts went on to gain their freedom and make new lives in Australia. Some went on to build extraordinary lives of fame, fortune or infamy, and the packaging of these coins features individual characters who made their mark on our historical past. The actions of the convicts, and their interactions with Indigenous Australians, helped create the history of Australia.
In times past, the descendants of convicts were reluctant to acknowledge their ancestors but since the Bicentenary celebrations of 1988, which brought renewed interest in Australia’s convict history, having a convict ancestor is now seen as a badge of honour.
Commemorates the 80 years of Australia’s convict era, 230th anniversary of the First Fleet’s arrival and 150th anniversary of the voyage of theHougoumont
Design features a stylistic illustration of Australia in the shape of a tree, with the chain and Broad Arrow at the roots
Uncirculated set features ‘C’ mintmark, ‘S’, ‘B’ and ‘M’ privy marks
Australian legal tender
Please note: Item condition is as photographed. Item in photograph is what you will receive. Please review photographs carefully before purchasing as returns will not be accepted based on condition.
