2008 $1 Early Governors of Australia 1oz Silver Proof Collection

The Perth Mint is about to launch the Early Governors of Australia Silver Proof Collection This is a collection of 5 one ounce silver proof coins, each depicting one of the early Governors of Australia.
This excellent five-coin collection pays tribute to Australia’s first five Governors - Arthur Phillip, John Hunter, Philip Gidley King, William Bligh and Lachlan Macquarie – whose leadership helped lay vital foundations for the future nation.
Arthur Phillip (1788-1792)
Australia’s first Governor, Phillip commanded the First Fleet which entered Botany Bay before moving north to a permanent settlement in Port Jackson. The colored reverse illustration depicts the Union flag being raised at Sydney Cove on 26 January 1788.

John Hunter (1795-1800)
Improving life in the colony, Hunter developed democracy, enhanced the legal system, created a civilian police force and supported Bass and Flinders’ explorations. The colored reverse illustration symbolizes his reform of the management of convict labor.

Philip Gidley King (1800-1806)
Among his achievements, King brought order to the chaotic currency system. The colored reverse illustration depicts his famous Proclamation, posted on the Government store in 1800, providing relative values for the mix of foreign coins in the colony.

William Bligh (1806-1808)
The former captain of HMS Bounty, Bligh’s attempts to limit the power of the corrupt NSW Corps ended in personal disaster. The colored reverse illustration depicts the ‘Rum Rebellion’ of 1808 and his reputed effort to escape arrest by hiding under a bed.

Lachlan Macquarie (1810-1821)
The founder of Australia’s first bank and the mastermind of its first official coinage, Macquarie is considered a national icon. The colored reverse illustration includes an image of the Holey Dollar and Dump, created by punching the centre out of Spanish silver dollars.