2017-02-20 Mon

Pattern pieces are popular among collectors all over the world. A similar fantasy coin from Australia will be offered at the Downies Australian Coin Auction from 15th to 17th March.

The Hungarian-born sculptor Andor Meszaros was one of the six artists selected by the Advisory Panel on Coin Design for Australia’s new decimal coin that was adopted on 14th February 1966.

Meszaros had sent his design for a contest that was sponsored by the Australian Coin Review magazine for the best reverse design for a crown-sized coin of Australia. A design was sent for the 20-cent coin featuring a flying goose. AUSTRALIA and 1967 were added and numeral 20 was removed for this private piece. Many designers applied for the contest and the winning Meszaros’ design was announced in November 1967.

Meszaros’ design featured a wattle like the 2-cent coin design. The coins were struck in Proof and Uncirculated .999 fine silver versions.

The dollar was adopted by Australia in 1984 and the famous “mob of roos” design was selected for the reverse.

The Uncirculated coin offered at the auction has an estimate of $1,500 Australian.