2024 $1 Centenary of Cobb & Co Last Coach Service in Australia Uncirculated Coin – AlBr
The last ever Cobb & Co coach service ended its final journey 100 years ago this year, leaving the name Cobb & Co firmly entrenched in Australian folklore. Founded in Victoria in 1853 at the height of the gold rushes, this horse-drawn coach service spread across Eastern Australia, contributing much to opening up the inland to travellers and new settlers.
At the height of the 1850s Victorian gold rush, four newly arrived Americans, Freeman Cobb and three colleagues, saw the opportunity to launch a transport business, using horse-drawn carriages like those in the American west. From that first journey in 1853, Cobb & Co coach routes crisscrossed Eastern Australia, establishing a reputation for speed and reliability.
Although railways progressively connected major towns, Cobb & Co instead linked more distant communities. Horses needed to be changed every 15-25 kilometres at a network of waystations, often inns, directly contributing to the opening of rural Australia. Cobb & Co’s final journey came on 14 August 1924, ending the era of horse-drawn transport in Australia. The reason – the advent of reliable motor vehicles.
That last ever journey, 65 kilometres from Surat to Yuleba in southern Queensland, is commemorated with the Royal Australian Mint’s stunning new $1 collector coin.
Struck by Royal Australian Mint, these coins are issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965 and have a mintage of 37,500.
DESIGN
The reverse of the coin depicts a stylised scene of a Cobb & Co Coach and passengers as they are about to reach a station. Also features in the inscriptions “COBB & CO” and “LAST COACH SERVICE” as well as the monetary denomination.
The obverse features the Dan Thorne effigy of His Majesty King Charles III as well as the 2024 year-date.
PRESENTATION
Each coin is presented in a Cobb & Co themed presentation card.
Technical Specifications
| Year Date | 2024 |
| Denomination (AUD) | 1.00 |
| Metal Content | AlBr |
| Mass (g) | 9.00 |
| Diameter (mm) | 25.00 |
| Finish | Uncirculated |
| Maximum Mintage | 37,500 |
| Reverse / Obverse Designer | A. Ball / D. Thorne |
| Packaging | Coin in Cobb & Co themed presentation card |
- The coin at the forefront in image 1 is not to scale, it is enlarged for viewing purposes.
ABOUT ROYAL AUSTRALIAN MINT
The Royal Australian Mint, established in 1965 through the Royal Australian Mint Act, is the sole producer of Australia's circulating coins. Located in Canberra, it was officially opened on February 22, 1965, by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Its primary purpose is to produce legal tender coins for circulation, commemorative coins, and other numismatic products, ensuring a stable supply of high-quality coins. The Mint has embraced modern minting technologies, investing in state-of-the-art equipment and techniques. Known for its innovative designs, the Mint's coins often feature iconic Australian symbols, historical events, and cultural motifs, celebrating the nation's diverse heritage and natural beauty. It issues commemorative coins to mark significant events, anniversaries, and milestones, highly sought after by collectors. Internationally recognized for excellence in coin production and design, the Mint has won numerous awards and collaborates with mints worldwide. It engages the public through tours, educational programs, exhibitions, and events, promoting numismatic awareness and showcasing its heritage. Swan Bullion Company is proud to be an authorised distributor for both Royal Australian Mint bullion and numismatic products. 
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