1997 The Opening of the Continent Masterpieces in Silver
The 1997 Opening of the Continent Masterpieces in Silver set issued by the Royal Australian Mint consists of five Proof Sterling Silver (.925 Fine) Five Dollar coins with reverse designs commemorating the transport networks that furthered the quest for development and fired the imagination of colonial Australia.

The reverse designs of the 5 coins, depict:

  • Camel Train,
  • River Boat,
  • Bullock Team,
  • Steam Train and
  • Steam Traction Engine. A total of 10,000 sets were offered for sale.

    Valuation :
    1997 The Opening of the Continent - Masterpieces in Silver

    Proof
    2002185

    Notes:

    With a small population and vast distances separating Australia's early communities, one imperative united the settlers of the colony - the need to forge networks of transportation.

    From the fringes of the continent, the new arrivals turned their gaze inwards to the unmapped centre where, they hoped and believed, abundance awaited them. They looked beyond the mountains, over the rivers, on into hazy blue distances stretching out as far as the eye could see, and they resolved to make that country their own.

    First, the explorers mapped out - heroically, often tragically - the lie of the land. Then came the new settlers, whose tentative inroads soon became well worn tracks, opening up the continent for those who followed.

    The 1997 Masterpieces in Silver set tells the story of those tracks: the transport networks that furthered the quest for development and fired the imagination of colonial Australia.

    The opening up of the Australian continent coincided with the Victorian age, an age which delighted in human achievement. 'Progress was a catchcry, a goal, key among the values of the time. However, with material advances came other changes. As the bullocks gave way to rail, and the bush to civilisation, there were those who recalled with nostalgia the spirit of mateship born of harder and simpler times.

    Henry Lawson, in his poem 'The Roaring Days' wrote with regret:

    Those golden days are vanished,
    And altered is the scene;
    The diggings are deserted,
    The camping-grounds are green;
    The flaunting flag of progress
    Is in the West unfurled,
    The mighty Bush with iron rails
    Is tethered to the world.
    Source: Booklet accompanying the 1997 Masterpieces in Silver - The Opening of the Continent - Set.

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