Australian Silver Proof Dollars

1997 Sir Charles Kingsford Smith Portfolio

.9999 Fine Silver
1997 represents the centenary of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith's birth. This portfolio is jointly issued by Note Printing Australia and the Royal Australian Mint, in their tradition of honoring an Australian who has greatly contributed to this country, released this specially overprinted $20 Note and the $1 Silver Proof Coin which are unique to this portfolio to pay tribute to all that Sir Charles accomplished.
Sir Charles Kingsford Smith was described by his contemporaries as the greatest man ever to fly. First a war hero, then a record-breaking aviator, his wartime exploits with the Royal Flying Corps earned him the Military Cross. It was the first of many honors, including a knighthood bestowed in 1932 for services to aviation. He was the first to fly across the Pacific Ocean and went on to break many more aviation records.

1997 Australian Silver Proof Dollars Small Head Reverse
1997 Australian Silver Proof Dollars Small Head Obverse

Sir Charles Kingsford Smith met his fate with long time co-pilot Tommy Pethybridge in November 1935, off the coast of Burma. The exact time, location and circumstances are still a mystery. What is certain, the world lost its greatest aviator and Australia lost a hero.
Intricately frosted against a mirror-finish background, this is the first fine silver proof coin produced in this series and features the detailed portrait of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and the "Southern Cross" Fokker monoplane over a map showing the route taken by Smithy. A stunning addition to any collection. On the obverse of the coin appears the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, by Raphael Maklouf.
1997 Sir Charles Kingsford Smith Portfolio Inside Left 1997 Sir Charles Kingsford Smith Portfolio Inside Right

The $20 Paper Note bears an overprint and is from the last print run of this design and incorporates the final prefix letters "ADK".

1997 Sir Charles Kingsford Smith Portfolio Front

Specifications

Composition: 99.99% Silver
Edge: Reeded
Weight: 11.66 grams
Size: 25.0 mm
Reverse: Horst Hahne / Vladimir Gottwald
Obverse: Raphael Maklouf


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