Ludwig Leichhardt was a Prussian-born explorer and naturalist who made significant expeditions of discovery in Australia during the colonial era.
A scholar of natural sciences, Leichhardt was born 200 years ago in Trebatsch on 23 October 1813. In 1842 he arrived in Sydney and the following year completed an overland trek between the Hunter Region and Moreton Bay.
In 1844, he commenced a 3,000 mile expedition from the Darling Downs to Port Essington across territory previously unexplored by Europeans. Long considered to have perished, the party caused a sensation when it reached its objective in December 1845.
Made famous by this feat, Leichhardt set out on another expedition in 1848 with the ambitious aim of crossing the continent from east to west and then following the coast to the Swan River Colony. But the party disappeared in mysterious circumstances that were never fully resolved.
Leichhardt’s notebooks, journals and letters left detailed records of the botany, geology and resources found along the routes he trekked, including invaluable information for the future of European settlement.
The Perth Mint will release a stunning 2oz silver proof commemorative coin, struck from 99.9% pure silver and issued as Australian legal tender. No more than 2,013 of these coins will be released.
DESIGN
The coin’s reverse portrays Ludwig Leichhardt and a red line superimposed on a map of north-east Australia indicating the route of his most famous expedition to Port Essington on the Cobourg Peninsula. As well as The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark, the design includes the inscription LUDWIG LEICHHARDT, 1813 and 1848.
The Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the 2013 year-date and the monetary denomination are shown on the coin’s obverse.
PRESENTATION
This coin is housed in a presentation case and themed shipper, accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
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