The founding of modern Australia dates from 1788 with the arrival of the First Fleet from Britain. Carrying more than 1300 colonists 11 ships entered Botany Bay between 18 and 20 January. Finding the area unsuitable for permanent settlement Captain Arthur Phillip commander of the First Fleet moved the colonists north to Port Jackson anchoring at Sydney Cove on 26 January. The coin in this set which marks the 220th anniversary of the First Fleet is struck from 1oz of 99. 9 pure silver in proof quality. The coins reverse portrays a coloured image of Governor Arthur Phillip and an outline of the Australian continent often referred to as New Holland at that time. The design which also includes the inscription THE FIRST FLEET 1788 appears within a circular border of stylised waves incorporating The Perth Mints P mintmark. Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965 the coins obverse depicts the Ian RankBroadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II the 2008 yeardate and the monetary denomination. The coin is surrounded by a spectacular ring of silver proof jigsaw medallions portraying the ships of the First Fleet Alexander Borrowdale Charlotte Fishburn Friendship Golden Grove Lady Penrhyn Prince of Wales Scarborough HMS Sirius and HMS Supply. The 12th medallion depicts a stylised compass and the iconic Southern Cross constellation. The obverse of each medallion depicts a pattern of stylised waves and the Southern Cross. Each Coin and Medallion Set is housed in a timber display case which comes in a goldcoloured box and illustrated sleeve accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
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