The Afghan cameleers who travelled to Australia from 1859 made a significant contribution to the exploration of Australia’s inland, and to the development of Australia as a multicutural nation. To commemorate their work, the Royal Australian Mint has released a special 50 cent uncirculated coin.

In 1859, the Victorian Expedition Committee commissioned the import of 24 camels and three cameleers from India, to join the pioneering expedition of Burke and Wills. This was the start of a significant contribution made to Australia’s inland development by many cameleers who came to Australia from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey and elsewhere. Camels were very well suited to transport and exploration in Australia’s inland, being the optimal species to manage difficult terrain and survive scarce water supplies, rather than horses or bullocks. The Muslim cameleers provided a crucial support system to outback families, and at one time in the 19th century, half of Australia’s population relied on the cameleers and their charges for survival.

The Royal Australian Mint has produced this collectible coin to recognise the contributions of the cameleers. Serious coin collectors and Australian history enthusiasts will value this commemorative coin.

Coin Features

• Presented on a display card
• Coin’s reverse honours the contribution of Afghan cameleers to Australian history
• Coin’s obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II designed by Jody Clark
• Australian legal tender

Technical Specifications