1951 Federation Florin about Uncirculated in Card

This eye-catching predecimal release was issued to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Australia's Federation. Struck from silver, the unique - and controversial! - reverse motif and rich history have made it popular with collectors. In near-flawless about Uncirculated quality, it's a must-have.

The 1951 Federation Florin features a striking reverse design by sculptor William Leslie Bowles. A crown rests atop a crossed mace and sword, intersecting within the centre of a Southern Cross. The design was selected by Treasury, but faced some controversy upon release.

Himself a Victorian, Bowles had used the version of the Southern Cross seen in the Victorian State Arms rather than the National Arms. Understandably, not everybody was happy about this - yet the coin was still popular. The modest mintage of two million was all but hoarded out of circulation.