Item: Perth Mint 2011 Dame Nellie Melba 1oz Silver Proof Coin

Issue Mint: The Perth Mint

Legal Tender: Australian $1

Mintage: 5,000

Material: 1 Troy oz 99.9% Silver

Condition: Brand New in original issue condition. Accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity, each coin is housed in a presentation box and illustrated box-shipper.

Issue Price: $105.00

Release Date: April 2011

Theme Background:

Dame Nellie Melba was an opera soprano who became one of the most famous divas of her age. She was Australia’s first international singing star and was among the first international artists to perform in radio broadcasts.

Originally christened Helen Mitchell, her stage name, Melba was derived from the city of Melbourne. Melba inherited her love of music from her parents and was encouraged in her studies. At 21, she married and had one child, but marital life didn’t suit her and she departed for Europe. It was there that she gained the entrée into opera that she had so desired.

By the end of her life, Melba had been appointed a Dame Commander of the British Empire and elevated to Dame Grand Cross of the British Empire. Melba’s funeral was amongst the grandest ever seen. Her farewell message read: “…I have done my best. For all that Australia has done for me, for all the beauty she has shown me, for all the love she has offered, I wish to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Design
The coin's reverse depicts a coloured portrait of Dame Nellie Melba and includes the rhododendron flower, her personal emblem, and musical notes. The inscription DAME NELLIE MELBA 1861 – 1931 and The Perth Mint’s traditional ‘P’ mintmark are also featured in the design. The Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the 2011 year-date, and the monetary denomination are shown on the coin’s obverse.

Technical Specifications