2010 50c 150th Running of the Melbourne Cup Selectively-Gold Plated Silver Proof Set

The Melbourne Cup has become such an integral part of Australian culture that it is almost impossible to imagine the country without it. Since 1861, the world's greatest 3200 metre handicap horse race has been run ever November. To commemorate the 150th running of 'the race that stops a nation', the Royal Australian Mint has produced two stunning selectively gold plated silver proof 50c coins. An exclusive collectors set never to be repeated.

In collaboration with the Victoria Racing Club, this set is released as part of a year-long celebration. In spite of its humble beginnings, this race has grown to become one of the biggest annual sporting events in Australia and one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. The 1861 race had seventeen starters and was run before.a crowd of 4000 spectators. Today, it is broadcast to an audience of around 700 million people worldwide.

The designs on the reverse of the coins feature two of the most eduring emblems of the Melbourne Cup: Phar Lap, who was the favourite in three consectutive Melbourne Cups; and the Cup itself. In 2010, a new gold trophy modelled on the 1930 Cup won by Phar Lap will be presented to the 150th winner of the great race.

Key features:

• 99.9% silver
• Selectively gold plated
• Proof finish
• Mintage limited to 5,000

Please note: This is a second hand item. Due to the products age and storage conditions prior to Eureka Coins acquiring the item may have resulted in packaging and condition variations between stock of the same product. Due to varying stock levels, images used are an indicative example of the product you will receive.