Seventeen years after the Sydney Mint commenced production the Melbourne Mint issue its first sovereigns in 1872. This coin issued by the Canberra Mint commemorates the 130th anniversary of the opening the Melbourne Mint. The reverse design depicts the columns and main entry of the Melbourne Mint building in the center with the reverse design of an 1872 shield sovereign on the left and a St. George & Dragon sovereign reverse design on the right both struck as 24 carat gold cameos. Back in 2002 collectors on the Royal Australian Mint (RAM) mailing list were given a 4 week period in which to order this coin. Once the order period had closed and numbers were known the production run was completed striking only sufficient coins to fill orders. The coin is housed encapsulated in a black leatherette hinged-lid presentation case and a certificate of authenticity. A protective outer cardboard box displays prominently an embossed colour image of the Melbourne Mint's Coat of Arms. Gold 99.99% 0.25g, Silver 99.9% 1oz
