2003 
| Proof | |
| Issue | 328 |
| 2003 | 350 |
The individual coin was limited to an issue of 1,500, housed encapsulated in a black, free-standing display case with a clear perspex screen. In addition, the coin was included in two sets: 350 in 5 coin proof sets and 400 in 3 coin proof sets released by the Perth mint.The design on the reverse of this coin features an intricate representation of ancient, modern, eastern and western words or symbols reflecting the evolution of the written word - the alphabet. It is the third in a 5-year Evolution companion series depicting the tools or instruments that have helped man define the universe through the ages.
The Perth Mint commissioned glass artist Elizabeth Mavrick to create 'Literacy' dichroic glass art pieces incorporating the ten ounce silver Evolution of the Alphabet coin. Elizabeth (right) and coin designer Ainslea Devine are shown holding one of the limited edition 'Literacy' pieces. The hand-crafted glass setting features an eye-catching combination of colours, images and textures inspired by the coin's magnificent reverse design.