2023 50th Anniversary of the Sydney Opera House Silver Selectively Gold Plated Proof Coin
The Sydney Opera House has been a source of wonder since it was a sketch on a page. In 1954, the then NSW Premier, Joseph Cahill, promised a structure that would be a credit to the state for hundreds of years. Then, from a small coastal town in Demark came a vision from architect Jorn Utzon that would forever change the face of Sydney.
Now a symbol of modern Australia, the Sydney Opera House has more than repaid the conviction of Utzon and Australian architect Peter Hall, who transformed these dreams into the creative masterpiece that stands today. When the building finally opened its doors in October 1973, a new era of creativity and connection began.
Five decades later, the Opera House is everyone’s house. It is the nation’s premier tourist destination, one of the world’s busiest performing arts centres and a community meeting place that belongs to all Australians. To visit Bennelong Point – known to its traditional custodians, the Gadigal, as Tubowgule – is to encounter a story of contemporary experience that continues to renew itself each day.
As the Sydney Opera House turns 50 in 2023, we celebrate the extraordinary past, present and future of Australia’s favourite building. A World Heritage-listed masterpiece of “human creative genius”, from conception to completion, the building tested the limits of engineering, construction and design. Now, after half a century of creativity and a Decade of Renewal that transformed the building for the 21st century, the stage is set for the next era.
Struck by Royal Australian Mint from 18.24g of 99.9% pure silver, the coin is issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965 and has a mintage of 5,000.
DESIGN
The coins reverse depicts the iconic Sydney Opera House, as viewed from the west, in selective-gold plating along with the 50th anniversary Sydney Opera House logo, celebratory confetti and stylised rippled water of Sydney’s harbour.
The coin’s obverse features the memorial effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II designed by Jody Clark as well as 2023 year-date and monetary denomination.
PRESENTATION
Each coin comes encapsulated inside of a black Royal Australian Mint box. Coins are packaged inside of grey Sydney Opera House themed packaging and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
Technical Specifications
| Year Date | 2023 |
| Silver Content (Grams) | 18.24 |
| Monetary Denomination (AUD) | 0.50 |
| Fineness (% purity) | 99.9 |
| Diameter (mm) | 31.51 |
| Finish | Proof |
| Maximum Mintage | 5,000 |
| Obverse Designer | J. Clark |
| Reverse Designer | RAMINT |
| Packaging | Capsuled coin in presentation box with certificate of authenticity |
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.
