2004 $5 Silver Proof Coin Adelaide To Darwin Railway

Obverse: Rank-Broadley portrait of Elizabeth II to right;

Reverse: Map of Australia with rail tracks

Diameter: 40.00mm | Purity: 99.99% | Weight: 31.10g | ASW: 1ozt

Mintage: 12,500

This was easily one of the most popular coins released by the RAM in the past 2 decades.

Construction for the Australasia Railway from Adelaide to Darwin was completed in October 2003, five months ahead of the target completion date of April 2004.

For the first time in Australian history, the north and south of the country are linked by rail, providing a transcontinental trade route connecting southern Australia with Asian business markets.

To commemorate the inauguration of this major infrastructure project, the RAM released this $5 Silver Proof Coin.

The coin was launched on 14 January 2004, by the Chairman of AustralAsia Railway Corporation.

The reverse design captures the vastness of the Australian landscape - the rail lines link Darwin, Alice Springs and Adelaide and disappear into the distance.

The Controller of the RAM at the time said "The release of a commemorative coin by the Royal Australian Mint provides a fitting means of enabling the wider public to mark this memorable occasion of national significance".

Judging by the incredible demand for the coin when it first came out, the public agreed.

It sold out within a few short weeks of being released, and has remained in strong demand ever since.

The coin remains in the original presentation case and is accompanied by the certificate of authenticity.

SKU: 22773