2023 $25 170th Anniversary Of The Port Phillip Gold Pattern 1/4oz Gold Proof Coin Set

The great gold rush of the early 1850s created wealth and a population boom in the struggling Australian colonies. But hard-working miners were paid less for their gold than its true worth, one of many injustices which led to the Eureka Stockade rebellion of 1854.

Others saw opportunities, among them English businessman William Taylor who headed a venture to buy gold direct from the goldfields and mint it into coins which could be sold at a profit in England.

These kangaroo-marked coins, termed the Kangaroo Office patterns or Port Phillip Patterns, were Australia’s first non-legal tender investment coins. The few survivors are prized by collectors and very valuable. Taylor’s actual dies still exist, held by Museums Victoria.

These rare coins are the inspiration for the Royal Australian Mint’s new coin set, comprising four quarter ounce gold proof coins paying homage to the original designs, and presented in timber case with certificate of authenticity.

Coin Highlights:

• Inspired by Australia’s first ever non-legal tender gold investment coins produced in Melbourne in 1853
• Elegant set of four quarter ounce gold proof coins to mark the 170th anniversary of the Port Phillip Patterns
• Mintage of 750 sets
• Australian legal tender