2004 Australian Antarctic Territory Series - Mawson Station 1oz Silver Proof

Issued in 2004,  this pure silver 1oz one dollar struck by The Perth Mint, commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of Mawson Station in 1954 the oldest continually operating station south of the Antarctic Circle. Located on the shores of Horshoe Harbour in MacRobertson Land part of the Australian Antarctic Territory the station was named after geologist and explorer Sir Douglas Mawson who helped establish Australia's tradition for scientific geographic and hydrographic research during Antarctic explorations between 1911-14 and 1929-31.

Comprising of original and modern buildings demonstrating the evolution of Australian Antarctic building design Mawson station is listed on the Register of the National Estate as a place of historical significance. It is a symbol of a large part of Australia's presence in the highest driest coldest and windiest continent in the world.

This was the first coin released in the Australian Antarctic Territory series the reverse design shows a coloured image of Mawson station with an Emperor penguin and chick in the foreground framed within an outline of the continent. The coin is housed encapsulated in a royal blue hinged-lid presentation case protected by a colourful outer cardboard box and accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity.

Second quality