The Royal Australian Mint launches the Batavia – the first triangular bullion coin
Well, here is something unusual and unexpected. The Royal Australian Mint has shown some increased activity in the bullion coin market of late, with their recent Bottlenose Dolphin coin being a fine example. Their latest release doesn’t showcase Australian wildlife, but heads back into the past to remember the dark and tragic tale of one the countries earliest shipwrecks – the Batavia.
The choice of a triangular shape for the coin is quite unexpected for a mint like the RAM, and makes an intriguing change from the norm. The reverse design carries an image of the Batavia at its centre, surrounded by design elements from the ship itself. The ships name is inscribed inverted, as a nod to its sinking.
The obverse ramps the oddness up a notch, with the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II placed on the coin at the top and in tiny form for a mint that usually doesn’t tinker with this face. We love the change (sorry Liz!), as it has given designer Adam Ball the opportunity to provide a second piece of artwork. A depiction of the sinking and the battle on land is done well and quite reminiscent of the mints Mutiny & Rebellion series.
Two formats are available, both a troy ounce in weight. The 0.999 silver coin has a pretty tight mintage of 20,000 units, while the gold is positively rare at just 250 pieces. Both are provided encapsulated, so you don’t have to tear your hair out trying to find a capsule for them at least. A very welcome change from the usual Antipodean bullion coin with a very cool design. Available today, exclusively from Hong Kong based dealer, LPM Group.
MINTS DESCRIPTION
The ill-fated Batavia, one of Australia’s oldest shipwrecks, is depicted on these magnificent gold and silver triangular investment coins, proudly presented by the Royal Australian Mint. The design depicts the harrowing story of the Batavia’s wreck and the events that followed. These exclusive products are both a stunning investment and a commemoration of Australia’s maritime heritage. Available exclusively through LPM Group Limited.
In June 1629, the Dutch East India Company’s (VOC) vessel, Batavia, was sailing from the Netherlands to Batavia (Jakarta), when it struck a reef off the coast of Western Australia and was wrecked. Most survivors were able to swim to nearby Beacon Island, and the ship’s Commander Francisco Pelsaert took 47 crew and a longboat on a gruelling journey to Batavia to seek help.
Unknown to Pelseart, the Batavia had been threatened with a mutinous plot led by Undermerchant Jeronimus Cornelisz. Assuming leadership, Cornelisz and his supporters set about eliminating any opposition. A total of 125 men, women and children were killed. On Pelsaert’s return the mutineers were arrested: seven were hanged and two marooned on the mainland, making them Australia’s first recorded European settlers.
The wreck of the Batavia was discovered in 1963 and sections of its hull and other artefacts are on display at the Western Australian Maritime Museum. The Batavia, Australia’s second-oldest shipwreck, is an unparalleled tale of the darkest side of human nature.
SPECIFICATION | ||
DENOMINATION | $1 Australia | $100 Australia |
COMPOSITION | 0.999 silver | 0.9999 gold |
WEIGHT | 31.1 grams | 31.1 grams |
DIMENSIONS | 33.9 mm | 33.9 mm |
FINISH | Bullion | Bullion |
MODIFICATIONS | None | None |
MINTAGE | 20,000 | 250 |
BOX / C.O.A. | No / No | No / No |
[…] early colonial past, and there seems to be plenty of subjects to choose from. We’ve had the Batavia and the Vergulde Draeck, and this third issue features the Zuytdorp. The design ethos remains […]