2022 $1 Wallal Centenary – Australia Tests Einstein’s Theory Uncirculated Coin in Card – AlBr

In 1922, the eyes of the international scientific community were focused on an expedition of scientists to Wallal, Western Australia to photograph a total eclipse due on 21 September.

Precise measurements of the apparent position of the stars near the eclipsed sun were photographed and provided the evidence supporting Einstein’s revolutionary Theory of General Relativity!

The expedition was organised to conclusively prove Einstein’s theory following the first photographic evidence captured during the 29 May 1919 eclipse expedition led by Sir Arthur Eddington. Teams from multiple countries as well as local astronomers from the Perth Observatory formed the 1922 expedition led by William Campbell from the Lick Observatory (USA), who were successful in taking the images of the eclipse that provided the evidence to support Einstein’s theory.

Einstein’s theory states that massive objects, such as planets and stars, curve the fabric of space and time around them. The theory predicts that light from a distant star passing near the sun will follow the curve as it travels to the Earth, making the star appear to be displaced in the sky; it even predicts by how much the stars will appear out of place!

Normally stars near the sun are overwhelmed by the bright sky but during a solar eclipse, the moon obscures the sun, creating a sky dark enough that stars can be photographed. Einstein’s 107-year-old Theory of General Relativity predicted the existence of black holes and gravitational waves.

Struck by Royal Australian Mint, the coin is issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965 and has a mintage of 30,000.

DESIGN

The coins reverse illustrates the location of Wallal, Australia. The narrow band from which the eclipse could be best seen and the Earth sitting within a funnel depicting Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity. Features the inscriptions “WALLAL CENTENARY” and “AUSTRALIA TESTS EINSTEIN’S THEORY”.

The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II designed by Jody Clark as well as the monetary denomination and 2022 year-date.

PRESENTATION

Coin comes encapsulated in a themed presentation card.

Technical Specifications

• Coin in image 1 is not to scale, it is to display the coin.

ABOUT THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN MINT

The Royal Australian Mint is the sole producer of all Australia’s circulating coins. Opened in 1965 and situated in the Australian federal capital city of Canberra, in the suburb of Deakin, the Mint is also a very popular tourist destination for visitors and locals alike. Swan Bullion Company is proud to be an authorised distributor for The Royal Australian Mint’s bullion and numismatic products.