Australian Proof Coin Set 2009 International Year of Astronomy

Superbly presented, includes the commemorative dollar showing the Parkes telescope.

The vision of The International Year of Astronomy is apparently to help people "rediscover their place in the universe with a strong emphasis on education, public engagement and involvement from young people of all communities."

Just why 2009 should be the year in which this momentous occasion should be featured on our national coinage may not be clear until you learn that 2009 marks the 400th anniversary of Galileo turning a telescope to the sky!

If you don't already know, Galileo Galilei was an Italian scientist from the 16th century regarded as being anything from "the father of modern observational astronomy"; to "the father of modern physics"; to "the father of science" to "the Father of Modern Science."

The $1 coin features the iconic Parkes Telescope on its reverse, and the coin's designer, Ms Caitlin Goodall, apparently wanted the facets of the dish to look like diamonds - checking out the proof coin in the flesh, the proof finish certainly gives this coin that appearance. If you've got keen eyes, youy might be able to pick out images of the sheep and fencing that surround the 64-metre telescope in Parkes (rural NSW).

Special Note - the commemorative 20¢ for the International Year of Astronomy is only available in proof condition in the 2009 two-coin proof set, it's accompanied by a proof $1 aluminium bronze coin featuring the standard "Mob of Kangaroos" reverse.

 Although the price of the 2009 six coin proof set has gone up by some $20 over the 2008 price, the economic recession should reduce demand for it which should in turn reduce the mintage, thus potentially making it a great set to put away!