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The Australia 6 Piece Proof Set 2017 *Effigy of an Era* is a special numismatic release by the Royal Australian Mint, issued to mark the 50th anniversary of the first appearance of Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait on Australian decimal coinage. This commemorative set pays homage to the evolving effigies of the monarch that have graced Australia’s coins since decimalisation in 1966. Designed with both historical reverence and artistic excellence, the 2017 set features six proof coins, each bearing a reverse design that has become iconic in Australian currency, and includes a specially created one-dollar coin honoring the "effigy of an era" through a unique dual-portrait design.
The focal point of the 2017 proof set is the commemorative one-dollar coin, created to celebrate the progression of the Queen’s image on Australian coinage. The reverse design, by artist Vladimir Gottwald, features a superbly detailed dual-effigy portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. The left side shows the youthful 1966 Arnold Machin portrait that first appeared on decimal coins, while the right presents the mature Ian Rank-Broadley effigy used at the time of issue. The two portraits are layered together to signify the passage of time and the Queen’s enduring presence on Australia’s money. The inscriptions include “EFFIGY OF AN ERA,” “ONE DOLLAR,” and “AUSTRALIA 2017.” The obverse of the coin carries the standard Rank-Broadley portrait with the legend “ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 2017,” as used on all circulating coinage of the period.
The remaining five coins in the set are the standard 5 cent, 10 cent, 20 cent, 50 cent, and 2 dollar denominations. These bear the well-known reverse designs by Stuart Devlin and Horst Hahne, including the echidna (5c), lyrebird (10c), platypus (20c), Australian Coat of Arms (50c), and Aboriginal elder with Southern Cross and native flora (2 dollars). Each coin is struck to proof standard using hand-polished dies and blanks, resulting in frosted devices and mirror-like fields that highlight every detail of the engraving. These coins reflect the everyday currency Australians handle, elevated here through immaculate production standards and careful presentation.
The 2017 *Effigy of an Era* proof set is elegantly presented in a dark blue leatherette clamshell case lined with black velvet. Each coin is enclosed in a clear capsule to preserve its flawless surfaces. The outer packaging includes a specially themed sleeve featuring royal iconography and effigy artwork to reflect the set’s commemorative theme. A numbered certificate of authenticity is included, detailing the technical specifications for each coin and offering insights into the history of the Queen’s portrait on Australian currency. The packaging reflects the Royal Australian Mint’s high standards and reinforces the significance of the issue as a collector-grade piece.
The mintage of the 2017 6 Piece Proof Set was limited to 8,000 sets, a relatively low number that enhances its collectibility. The commemorative one-dollar coin was not released into circulation and could only be obtained through sets such as this, making it a key target for collectors of modern Australian commemorative coins. Given its low availability, strong theme, and distinctive design, the set is especially valued among those building complete runs of Australian annual proof sets or commemoratives honoring Queen Elizabeth II.
Condition is paramount for maximizing the value and appeal of this set. Coins should remain in their original capsules and untouched to avoid the risk of haze, fingerprints, or other damage to the proof surfaces. Complete sets with pristine packaging, intact certificates, and unblemished outer boxes are highly desirable. The commemorative one-dollar coin may also be submitted to grading services such as PCGS or NGC; top-graded examples (PF69 or PF70) can achieve premium prices due to their perfect or near-perfect preservation and the appeal of the dual-effigy design.
Visually, the 2017 proof set is both elegant and powerful. The proof finish elevates the familiar reverse designs of Australia’s circulating coins into miniature works of art, while the commemorative dollar offers a deeply meaningful tribute to continuity and change. The dual-effigy composition is particularly striking, showing both youth and maturity, past and present, in a single, unified design. The symmetry, contrast, and symbolism of the coin’s imagery are enhanced by the reflective surfaces and frosted details that characterize the proof format.
Historically, the issuance of this set reflects the deep connection between Australia and the British Crown. Since 1953, portraits of Queen Elizabeth II have appeared on Australian coinage in various forms, evolving over time through the works of artists such as Mary Gillick, Arnold Machin, Raphael Maklouf, and Ian Rank-Broadley. With the adoption of decimal currency in 1966, the Machin portrait became the first to appear on the new coinage, and the progression through to the Rank-Broadley effigy mirrors the arc of Australia’s modern monetary history. The *Effigy of an Era* theme celebrates this continuity while acknowledging the evolution of both the Queen’s image and Australian coin design.
Today, the Australia 6 Piece Proof Set 2017 *Effigy of an Era* stands as a meaningful and beautifully executed addition to the Royal Australian Mint’s proof series. Its limited mintage, exclusive commemorative coin, and poignant theme make it a standout issue for collectors of modern Australian numismatics and royal commemoratives. Whether held as part of a broader proof set collection, valued as a tribute to the Queen’s long reign, or simply appreciated for its aesthetic and historical richness, this set captures the passage of time in silver and bronze, reflecting Australia’s journey under the image of an enduring monarch.