2017 $1 Centenary Of The Trans-Australian Railway Silver Proof Coin

With 4000 kilometres between the east and west coasts, and some of the driest and hottest land one can encounter, unity across the country was a distant hope.

In the late 1800s, with Australia’s Federation on the horizon, Western Australia Premier Sir John Forrest promised the railway line to the people of his colony, to maintain their enthusiasm about joining the new nation. In October 1917, the 1698 kilometre track was opened, stretching from Kalgoorlie to Port Augusta, and traversing the spectacular but foreboding Nullarbor Plain.

In the century that has passed, freight, mail and passengers have all been carried across the Railway line, with journeys ranging from practical and functional to whimsical and extravagant. Upon opening, it united a young country like never before. One hundred years later, it continues to be a celebrated and iconic piece of the Australian story.

The Royal Australian Mint will release no more than 4,500 of the 2017 $1 Centenary Of The Trans-Australian Railway Silver Proof Coin.