Royal Australian Mint, Media Release, 4 August 2022
In the lead up to the 150th Anniversary of the first telegraph being sent from Australia, the Royal Australian Mint has released a unique $1 coin that depicts the Overland Telegraph Line running through the centre of Australia, from Port Augusta to Darwin.
Darwin historian and author of ‘Twenty to the Mile’, Derek Pugh said “the Overland Telegraph Line was the internet of the day, allowing rapid communication with the world. It provided almost instant access to information and broke the tyranny of distance.
“The Overland Telegraph Line commemorative coin celebrates the greatest engineering success of the nineteenth century: one that allowed Australia to join the modern world”.
The 1872 opening of the Overland Telegraph connected Australia with the rest of the world, making electronic communication through to London within 7 hours a daily occurrence. The isolation of Australia dissipated and life in Australia was changed forever.
Mr Leigh Gordon, CEO of the Royal Australian Mint said: “The Royal Australian Mint is tasked with commemorating Australia’s most significant events and anniversaries. Through our collectible coins, we are able to shine a light on many aspects of Australian history that may otherwise be forgotten.
“The Overland Telegraph was one of Australia’s significant innovations, changing the way Australian’s communicated with the rest of the world. Memorialising this magnificent feat on a coin will ensure it is remembered by generations to come.”
The coin features the thirteen cities and towns on the Overland Telegraph Line and includes a Morse code message 39,000 poles and 2,839 kilometres – the length of the line and the number of poles it took to construct the line. The anniversary date of the Telegraph Line – 1872 to 2022 – is also written in Morse code.
From today, the 2022 $1 Uncirculated Coin celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Overland Telegraph Line will be available to purchase from the Mint’s eShop or Contact Centre (1300 652 020).
About the Royal Australian Mint
The Mint is an award-winning, world class Mint and a global leader in the mint industry. The Mint produces circulating coins for Australia and other countries; collectible and investment coins for domestic and international customers; and custom-made medals, medallions and tokens for individual or corporate clients.
The Mint is also a national cultural attraction that educates millions of Australians and international visitors on the history of Australia’s decimal currency, and the significance and value of coins.
