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The Australia 6 Piece Proof Set 2014 Special Edition is an outstanding and historically resonant numismatic collection issued by the Royal Australian Mint to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of World War I. As 2014 marked 100 years since the beginning of a conflict that deeply shaped Australia’s national identity, this set was conceived as a tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and legacy of the Australian men and women who served during the Great War. Featuring Australia’s six standard circulating coin denominations in exceptional proof quality, the set’s centerpiece is a specially designed one-dollar coin that honors the memory of the ANZACs and stands apart from regular annual releases.
The highlight of the 2014 Special Edition proof set is the commemorative one-dollar coin created exclusively for the occasion. Designed by artist Aleksandra Stokic, the reverse features a powerful and solemn design showing a lone World War I-era Australian soldier standing at rest with head bowed and hands resting atop his rifle. Behind him, stylized rising sun rays pay tribute to the Australian Army’s famed Rising Sun badge, while poppies are subtly integrated into the background, symbolizing remembrance and sacrifice. The inscriptions include “Lest We Forget,” “1914–1918,” and “One Dollar,” along with “Australia 2014.” The obverse bears the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, with the standard inscriptions “ELIZABETH II” and “AUSTRALIA 2014.”
Alongside the commemorative dollar, the set includes proof strikes of Australia’s five other standard coin denominations: the 5 cent, 10 cent, 20 cent, 50 cent, and 2 dollar coins. Each of these features the classic reverse designs—Stuart Devlin’s echidna (5c), lyrebird (10c), and platypus (20c), the Australian Coat of Arms (50c), and the Aboriginal elder with Southern Cross and native flora (2 dollars). All six coins are struck in the highest proof standard using specially polished dies and planchets to produce razor-sharp detail, frosted raised features, and mirror-like backgrounds. The precision of the strike enhances the artistry of each design, offering collectors the most pristine rendering of Australia’s circulating coinage for the year.
The 2014 Special Edition proof set is presented in an elegant Royal Australian Mint leatherette case in deep navy blue, with a black velvet-lined interior featuring individually recessed capsules to protect each coin. The presentation is completed with a thematic outer box and a numbered certificate of authenticity. The packaging is adorned with imagery relating to World War I, including stylized poppies or the Rising Sun symbol, reinforcing the commemorative theme. The certificate includes coin specifications and historical context, adding further depth and meaning to the collector experience.
The mintage for the 2014 Special Edition proof set was limited to 12,500 units, reflecting the Mint’s strategy of preserving exclusivity for significant themed issues. This relatively low mintage, combined with the exclusive one-dollar design, ensures its desirability among collectors focused on military commemoratives, limited-edition releases, or complete runs of annual Australian proof sets. The commemorative dollar was not released into general circulation and was only available in sets such as this, adding to its rarity and appeal for collectors seeking unique tributes to Australia’s wartime history.
Condition is critical for the preservation of value in this set. The coins must remain sealed in their original capsules, free from fingerprints, spotting, or haze, while the outer box and certificate should also be intact and undamaged. Some collectors opt to submit the commemorative one-dollar coin for third-party grading through services like PCGS or NGC. Coins achieving top-tier grades of PF69 or PF70 (denoting near-perfect or perfect condition) can command significant premiums in the numismatic market, especially when accompanied by complete original packaging and authentication materials.
Visually, the 2014 Special Edition proof set is both striking and dignified. The contrast between the frosted devices and mirror-polished fields creates a compelling visual effect on each coin, while the one-dollar piece, in particular, resonates with emotional and historical weight. The bowed soldier, flanked by rays of sunlight and surrounded by symbols of remembrance, evokes a sense of solemn tribute and enduring national pride. The proof finish enhances every element—from the folds of the uniform to the intricate poppies—making the coin not only a commemorative issue but a piece of reflective numismatic art.
Historically, Australia’s involvement in World War I had profound and lasting effects on the nation’s culture and identity. Over 400,000 Australians enlisted, with more than 60,000 losing their lives in overseas service. The ANZAC tradition, forged at Gallipoli in 1915, became central to Australia’s collective memory and national character. The issuance of this proof set in 2014 marked the beginning of a multi-year centenary program by the Royal Australian Mint and other institutions to honor those who served. The set, and especially its unique dollar coin, stands as a respectful and enduring tribute to that sacrifice.
Today, the Australia 6 Piece Proof Set 2014 Special Edition continues to hold a significant place among collectors of modern Australian coinage, military commemoratives, and proof-quality issues. Its limited mintage, exclusive design, and deeply meaningful theme ensure it remains in high demand. Whether it is part of a complete annual proof set collection, a focus on wartime history, or simply appreciated for its aesthetic and cultural value, this set captures a pivotal moment in Australian history and reflects the nation’s enduring commitment to honoring its heroes.