2020 50c Afghan Cameleers - Pioneers of Inland Transport Silver Proof Coin

2020 50c Afghan Cameleers - Pioneers of Inland Transport Silver Proof Coin.

The Afghan Cameleers who travelled to Australia from 1859 made a significant contribution to the exploration of Australia's inland, and to the development of Australia as a multicultural nation.

To commemorate their work, the Royal Australian Mint has released a special 50 cent uncirculated coin.

In 1859, the Victorian Expedition Committee commissioned the import of 24 camels and three cameleers from India, to join the pioneering expedition of Burke and Willis.

This was the start of a significant contribution make to Australia's inland development by many cameleers who came to Australia from India, Pakistan Afghanistan, Turkey and elsewhere. Camels were very well suited to transport and exploration in Australia's inland, being the optimal species to manage difficult terrain and survive scarce water supplies, rather than horses or bullocks.

The Muslim cameleers provided in the 19th century, half of Australia's population relied on the cameleers and their charges for survival

The Royal Australian Mint has produced this collectible coin to recognise the contributions of the cameleers.

Serious coin collectors and Australian history enthusiasts will value this commemorative coin.

Australian Legal tender.

The coin's obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II designed by Jody Clark.

The coin's reverse honours the contribution of Afghan Cameleers to Australian history.

Each coin is presented in a display case with Certificate of Authenticity.

Denomination :               50c

Quality :                         Proof

Metal :                           99.9% Pure Silver

Weight :                         18.24 gms

Diameter :                      31.51 mm

Mintage :                        2,500

Certificate of Authenticity : Royal Australian Mint Certificate of Authenticity