Search the collections
Andor Mészáros' Decimal Currency Designs
Image: Asset
Source: Museum Victoria
In 1963 the Australian Government decided to move to a decimal currency, replacing the British-inspired system of pounds and pence, A number of artists were invited to submit drawings for the set of new coins, among them the sculptor and medal artist, Andor Mészáros, whose designs featured Australian flora and fauna. It was Stuart Devlin, however, who won the competition and the new currency was issued on 14 February 1966.
John Gartner, noted numismatist and founder of the Australian Coin Review, was disappointed that the new currency did not include a dollar coin. In order to resolve the 'deficiency', he sponsored a design competition in the magazine for an 'unofficial crown' of Australia. This time Andor's designs won and in 1967 the magazine issued unofficial souvenir proof and standard coins. In 2009, the Perth Mint issued a tribute set of coins featuring Andor's designs for the low-denomination pieces, based on original plasters supplied by the Meszaros family.
(showing 1 - 2) 2 items
-
Proof Coin - 1 Dollar, Pattern 'Crown', Australian Coin Review, Australia, 1967
Unofficial Australian Pattern 'Crown' Proof Dollar with case, commissioned by the Australian Coin Review. Designed by Andor Mészáros and minted by Pinches of London in 1967. John Gartn ...
Images: 2 -
Proof Coin Set - 1966 Andor Mészáros Australian Decimal Pattern, Australia, 2009
Proof coin set based on Andor Mészáros 1966 decimal currency designs, minted and issued by the Perth Mint in May 2009. This is Set Number 1375 of 7,500. This tribute set contains five ...
Images: 14
