1040) The Afghan Express, Australia's iconic Train nicknamed "The Ghan": 90th Anniversary of the iconic Transcontinental Passenger Train: A 50 Cent Colour applied coin brought out by the Royal Australian Mint on 08.07.2019:
The Royal Australian Mint has brought out a new Collector Coin in the denomination of 50 Cents depicting the iconic Australian Train - The "Afghan Express", (nicknamed "The Ghan" across the entire Australian Continent).
About the Afghan Express (or "The Ghan"):
How The Passenger Train got its name:
The Afghan Express (popularly known as "The Ghan") is an Australian Transcontinental Passenger Train service, run weekly between the cities of Adelaide, Alice Springs and Darwin on the Adelaide-Darwin Railway.
The Afghan Express (popularly known as "The Ghan") is an Australian Transcontinental Passenger Train service, run weekly between the cities of Adelaide, Alice Springs and Darwin on the Adelaide-Darwin Railway.
The nickname "The Ghan" was given to the train in 1929 on its maiden/inaugural journey, by one of its crew members who thought that the train reminded of the "Afghan Camel drivers" who arrived in Australia in the late 19th Century to help the settlers reach to the interiors of the country-side. In a sense the Afghan Express Train took over the route run by the Camel drivers, hence the name.
It takes 54 hours to complete a journey of 2,979 kilometres (or 1,851 miles) with a four hour stop-over at Alice Springs, all the way to Darwin.
In 1878, the construction of the Railway tracks began and was completed in 1929, after passing through Hawker (06/1880), Beltana (07/1881), Maree (01/1884), Oodnadatta (01/1891) and Alice Springs (1929) .
In 1929, the "Afghan Express" Steam Engine Train undertook its first journey to the township of Stuart, (present day Alice Springs). Thus began one of Australia's most famous, though quite slow and sometimes very unreliable/erratic railway train journeys across the Australian Continent.
In its early days, the train journey was rather unpredictable and the train was famously stranded in the desert for almost two weeks.
"The Ghan" faced instances of tracks being washed-out, resulting in uncalled for delays. A flat-car was attached to the train, immediately behind the engine/locomotive carrying spare sleepers and railway tools, so that passengers and crew could repair the line.
The very uncertain service on this route was tolerated, because, steam locomotives needed large quantities of water and Stuart's route to Alice springs was the only one that had sufficient water available alongits tracks.
"The Ghan" faced instances of tracks being washed-out, resulting in uncalled for delays. A flat-car was attached to the train, immediately behind the engine/locomotive carrying spare sleepers and railway tools, so that passengers and crew could repair the line.
The very uncertain service on this route was tolerated, because, steam locomotives needed large quantities of water and Stuart's route to Alice springs was the only one that had sufficient water available alongits tracks.
The original "Ghan" Line followed the same track as the overland telegraph.
As train efficiency grew, the train service, which was initially operated fortnightly was increased to weekly. Between 1956 and 1975, the train was even operated bi-weekly, before reverting to its weekly schedule.
By 1951, the replacement of Steam Engines with Diesel-Electric Locomotives brought about a complete turn-about in the reliability of the train journey and passenger traffic increased through some deft marketing and good experiences.
"The Ghan" was privatised in 1997 and has since been operated by Great Southern Rail.
Presently, the train runs weekly throughout the year.
Interestingly, the train stops at Adelaide, Alice Springs, Katherine and Darwin, in which the stops at Katherine, Coober Pedy and Alice Springs allow time for passengers to take off-train excursions/optional tours.
Each train rake has 16 to 38 stainless steel carriages, built by Comeng, Granville in the late 1960s/early 1970s for the Indian Pacific, plus a motorail wagon.
The average length of the train is 774 metres (or 2,539 feet), which is hauled by a Pacific National NR Class Locomotive. If necessary, a second locomotive is added to haul the train or to assist the main engine.
When it was originally built in 1929, the train tracks were 1.067 mm (or 3 feet 6 inches) Narrow-guage Railway tracks upto Alice Springs.
In 1957, the 1535 mm (4 feet 8-1/2 inches Standard-gauge Stirling North to Maree Line opened and "The Ghan" was restricted to operate only North of Maree.
In 1980, the remainder of the Railway line was replaced by a Standard-gauge Line built to the Wesy of the original line.
In 01/2004, an extension North from Alice Springs to Darwin was opened after 126 years of planning and waiting.
The Ghan's arrival in Darwin signified new era of tourism in the Northern Territory, making travel to the region easier, more convenient and providing better access to and from Aboriginal communities in the Region.
From Adelaide to Darwin, the Great southern Railway's "Ghan" passes through magnificent and beautiful landscapes from the desert to tropics and has now become one of Australia's most luxurious and iconic railway journeys.
From its inception in 1929, as a Steam Engine Train forging through fires, floods and severe weather, "The Ghan" has now transformed into one of Australia's most luxurious and iconic railway journeys. From Adelaide to Darwin, Great southern Rail's "Ghan" passes through magnificent and beautiful landscapes from the desert to the Tropics.
From its inception in 1929, as a Steam Engine Train forging through fires, floods and severe weather, "The Ghan" has now transformed into one of Australia's most luxurious and iconic railway journeys. From Adelaide to Darwin, Great southern Rail's "Ghan" passes through magnificent and beautiful landscapes from the desert to the Tropics.
The Commemorative Coin:
Interestingly, to celebrate 90 years of "The Ghan" the Royal Australian Mint and "The Ghan" are offering one lucky person and his friend, the once in a lifetime opportunity to ride the majestic "Ghan" from Adelaide to Darwin.
This 2019 50 Cents Cupro-Nickel Commemorative Coin celebrates "The Ghan's" historic and unforgettable transcontinental adventure.
The Obverse and Reverse of the 50 Cents Commemorative coin, placed side-by-side
The Reverse of the 12-sided 50 Cent partially coloured Cupro-Nickel Coins depicts the latest branded model of "THE GHAN" which is the NR75 Class, an Australian Diesel Locomotive built by A. Goninan & Co. for National Rail between 1996 and 1998, which is currently operated by Pacific National and Rhys McDonald.
Towards the upper right periphery is inscribed the denomination of the coin "50", while towards the lower right periphery is the inscription "THE GHAN 1929-2019".
The Obverse of the 50 Cents Cupro-Nickel partially Coloured Coin depicts an effigy of the Queen facing right. This portrait has been made by Ian Rank-Broadley, whose initials "IRB" appear below the Queen's neck.
The peripheral inscriptions read: "ELIZABETH II. AUSTRALIA. 2019"
The specifications of this coin are:
Denomination: 50 Cents; Metal Composition: Cupro-Nickel; Weight: 15.55 grams; Diameter/Size: 31.51 mm; Coin Quality: Brilliant Uncirculated with applied colour; Maximum Mintage: 30,000 pieces; Mint: Royal Australian Mint, Australia; Year of issue: 2019.
Interestingly, to celebrate 90 years of "The Ghan" the Royal Australian Mint and "The Ghan" are offering one lucky person and his friend, the once in a lifetime opportunity to ride the majestic "Ghan" from Adelaide to Darwin.
This 2019 50 Cents Cupro-Nickel Commemorative Coin celebrates "The Ghan's" historic and unforgettable transcontinental adventure.
Towards the upper right periphery is inscribed the denomination of the coin "50", while towards the lower right periphery is the inscription "THE GHAN 1929-2019".
The peripheral inscriptions read: "ELIZABETH II. AUSTRALIA. 2019"
The specifications of this coin are:
Denomination: 50 Cents; Metal Composition: Cupro-Nickel; Weight: 15.55 grams; Diameter/Size: 31.51 mm; Coin Quality: Brilliant Uncirculated with applied colour; Maximum Mintage: 30,000 pieces; Mint: Royal Australian Mint, Australia; Year of issue: 2019.
The 50 Cents BU Cupro-Nickel Coins are sealed in a blister-coin card presentation with colourful images of "The Ghan" and informative text about its 90th Anniversary milestone
Links to posts on Australia, New Zealand and countries and Overseas Territories of the South Pacific on this Blog:
2) Papua New Guinea: An uncirculated coin set brought out in 1995 commemorating the 20th Anniversary of Independence
20) The Earth and Beyond Coin Series issued by the Royal Australian Mint (RAM): First coin in the series - The Earth - issued on 03.04.2018
21) Wedge Tailed Eagle Coin Series: 200 Dollars Gold, 100 Dollars Gold & 1 Dollar Silver coins brought out by the Perth Mint, Australia in its on-going series started in 2014 in collaboration with John Mercanti, Chief Engraver of the US Mint: Coins issued in 2018
22) Australian Kangaroo Coin Series: 25th Anniversary Commemoration: A $100 Gold Coin and a $10 Silver Coin with selective gold plating issued by the Royal Australian Mint (RAM) in 2018
23) "Kangaroo at Sunset": The Royal Australian Mint (RAM) is phasing out this iconic $25 Gold Coin from its repertoire of Commemorative Coins in 2018
24) "Discovery": An exclusive one piece - 2 Kilo Gold Coin studded with four Argyle Pink Diamonds/Gemstones minted by the Perth Mint, Australia in co-ordination with the Argyle Pink Diamonds Mine on 04.09.2018
25) "The Moon": The Earth and Beyond three Silver Coin Series: Royal Australian Mint issues the second coin in the series - a silver coloured Five (AUD) Dollars Concave-shaped (Domed) Coin on 03.09.2018
26) New $10 Australian Banknote issued on 18.09.2017 under the "Fourth Series of Banknotes": New generation of Australian Banknotes being introduced in a phased manner from 09/2016 onwards by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)
27) New Australian 50 Dollar Banknote (AUD $50) issued in 10/2018, under the "Fourth Series of Banknotes": New Generation of Australian Banknotes introduced in a phased manner from 09/2016 onwards by Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)
28) "Lake Argyle" - "The Jewel of the Kimberley", Australia: Limited Edition Series of Rare diamond ingots in Pink Gold (10 Oz. & 1 Oz.) and Platinum (1 Oz.) studded with eight Argyle Pink Diamonds each issued by the Perth Mint, Australia in collaboration with the Argyle Pink Diamond Mine (2018)
29) "The Sun": The Earth and Beyond Coin Series": Royal australian Mint (RAM) issues the third and final coin in the three-coin Series, a Silver Coloured Five (AUD) Dollars Concave-shaped (Domed) Coin on 03.02.2019
30) Australia New Generation $20 Banknote is scheduled to be released in October 2019, joining the already released Banknotes in the denominations of $5, $10 and $50 in the new Series
31) The Afghan Express, Australia's iconic Train nicknamed "The Ghan": 90th Anniversary of the iconic Transcontinental Passenger Train: A 50 Cent Colour applied coin brought out by the Royal Australian Mint on 08.07.2019
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2)Famous Pirates of the Caribbean: 3)Bartholomew Roberts or Black Bart Roberts
3)Famous Pirates of the Caribbean:4)Jack Rackham
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5)Famous Pirates of the Caribbean : 6) Sir Henry Morgan
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Links to Posts on coin issues from Niue Islands:
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2) Sachin Tendulkar: "World's Greatest Batsman": Gold & Silver coins issued by the New Zealand Mint on behalf of Niue Islands in 2015
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5) The "1001 Arabian Nights Tales": First $2 Silver crown Coin coin in the Series depicts the "story of Ali Baba and the 40 thieves": Coin issue date: 29.03.2019
6) Niue Island: "The Seven Voyages of Sindbad the Sailor": The "1001 Arabian Nights Tales": The Second Coin in the Series features the story of Sindbadthe Sailor, on a $2 Silver Crown Coin issued by the New Zealand Mint on behalf of Niue Island in the South Pacific: Issue date: 05/2019
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7) Currency & Coinage of Samoa: Tala and Sene
8) Currency of the South Pacific Island Country of Fiji
9) Coinage of New Zealand: A commemorative coin set issued in 1979
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18) Postage Stamps & Coin: Commemorating the Centenary of the Trans-Australian Railway Line stamps issued by Australia Post & coins by Perth Mint on 04.07.2017
4) New Zealand: New Banknote "Seventh Series" issued under Project "Brighter Money" from 2015 onwards
5) Coinage of the French Polynesian Island of Caledonia (or Nouvelle Caledonie) the CFP Franc
6) French Institution for issuing uniform currency/coinage for French Overseas Territories in the Pacific and the French Southern Territories of Antarctica: The Institut d'emmission d'outre Mer (IEOM)
7) Currency & Coinage of Samoa: Tala and Sene
8) Currency of the South Pacific Island Country of Fiji
9) Coinage of New Zealand: A commemorative coin set issued in 1979
10) Currency and Coinage of Australia: Dollars and Cents
11) The Australian Emblem or the Coat of Arms
12) The story of the Australian Penny
13) The Legend of the Mutiny on the Bounty: A Commemorative Coin Set from the Pitcairn Islands depicting relics from the Bounty issued in 2009
14) An Australian $5 coin issued in 1996, commemorating Australia's greatest cricketing legend - Sir Donald Bradman
15) New Series/Generation of Australian Banknotes being introduced from 01.09.2016 onwards starting from $5 issues
16) Southern Lights: A $1 Silver holographic coin issued by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand in January 2017
17) Currency & coinage of the Kingdom of Tonga : Pa'anga & Seniti
18) Postage Stamps & Coin: Commemorating the Centenary of the Trans-Australian Railway Line stamps issued by Australia Post & coins by Perth Mint on 04.07.2017
20) The Earth and Beyond Coin Series issued by the Royal Australian Mint (RAM): First coin in the series - The Earth - issued on 03.04.2018
21) Wedge Tailed Eagle Coin Series: 200 Dollars Gold, 100 Dollars Gold & 1 Dollar Silver coins brought out by the Perth Mint, Australia in its on-going series started in 2014 in collaboration with John Mercanti, Chief Engraver of the US Mint: Coins issued in 2018
22) Australian Kangaroo Coin Series: 25th Anniversary Commemoration: A $100 Gold Coin and a $10 Silver Coin with selective gold plating issued by the Royal Australian Mint (RAM) in 2018
23) "Kangaroo at Sunset": The Royal Australian Mint (RAM) is phasing out this iconic $25 Gold Coin from its repertoire of Commemorative Coins in 2018
24) "Discovery": An exclusive one piece - 2 Kilo Gold Coin studded with four Argyle Pink Diamonds/Gemstones minted by the Perth Mint, Australia in co-ordination with the Argyle Pink Diamonds Mine on 04.09.2018
25) "The Moon": The Earth and Beyond three Silver Coin Series: Royal Australian Mint issues the second coin in the series - a silver coloured Five (AUD) Dollars Concave-shaped (Domed) Coin on 03.09.2018
26) New $10 Australian Banknote issued on 18.09.2017 under the "Fourth Series of Banknotes": New generation of Australian Banknotes being introduced in a phased manner from 09/2016 onwards by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)
27) New Australian 50 Dollar Banknote (AUD $50) issued in 10/2018, under the "Fourth Series of Banknotes": New Generation of Australian Banknotes introduced in a phased manner from 09/2016 onwards by Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)
28) "Lake Argyle" - "The Jewel of the Kimberley", Australia: Limited Edition Series of Rare diamond ingots in Pink Gold (10 Oz. & 1 Oz.) and Platinum (1 Oz.) studded with eight Argyle Pink Diamonds each issued by the Perth Mint, Australia in collaboration with the Argyle Pink Diamond Mine (2018)
29) "The Sun": The Earth and Beyond Coin Series": Royal australian Mint (RAM) issues the third and final coin in the three-coin Series, a Silver Coloured Five (AUD) Dollars Concave-shaped (Domed) Coin on 03.02.2019
30) Australia New Generation $20 Banknote is scheduled to be released in October 2019, joining the already released Banknotes in the denominations of $5, $10 and $50 in the new Series
31) The Afghan Express, Australia's iconic Train nicknamed "The Ghan": 90th Anniversary of the iconic Transcontinental Passenger Train: A 50 Cent Colour applied coin brought out by the Royal Australian Mint on 08.07.2019
Links to interesting Posts on coins from Tuvalu Islands:
1)Famous Pirates of the Caribbean :2) Edward Teach or "BlackBeard"
2)Famous Pirates of the Caribbean: 3)Bartholomew Roberts or Black Bart Roberts
3)Famous Pirates of the Caribbean:4)Jack Rackham
4)Famous-pirates-of- the Caribbean : 5) Henry Avery
5)Famous Pirates of the Caribbean : 6) Sir Henry Morgan
6)Norse Goddess Freya - a Silver 2 Dollars High Relief antiquated Coin , the first in the Series titled "Norse Goddesses" (2017)
Other interesting links to posts from Cook Islands minted by Coin Invest Trust:
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2) 150th Anniversary of "The Great Tea Race - 1866": Commemorative Coins in the denomination of 10 and 2 Dollars issued by Cook Islands in 2016
3) The Mystical Ancient Egyptian Labyrinth depicted on $10 Silver coins issued by Cook islands in 2016, under its "Milestones of Mankind Series".
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5) Quilling Art: Silver 2 Dollars coins issued - Flowers (2016) & Bird (2017)
2) 150th Anniversary of "The Great Tea Race - 1866": Commemorative Coins in the denomination of 10 and 2 Dollars issued by Cook Islands in 2016
3) The Mystical Ancient Egyptian Labyrinth depicted on $10 Silver coins issued by Cook islands in 2016, under its "Milestones of Mankind Series".
4) King Arthur: The first coin in the six coins "Camelot Series".
5) Quilling Art: Silver 2 Dollars coins issued - Flowers (2016) & Bird (2017)
Links to posts on issues from the Republic of Palau:
2) Four Leaf Clover - Coin titled "Silver Fortune" - A 5 Dollars Silver coin issued by Coin Invest Trust in 2018
3) Totem Pole 2 Oz. or 10 Dollars Silver coin from the Republic of Palau being issued on 12.06.2018
4) The "Maneki Neko Cat" ot the "Fortune Cat" : A $1 Gold Coin issued by the Republic of Palau: Minted by B.H. Mayer's Kunstprageanstalt, Munich for Coin Invest Trust in 2018
Links to Posts on coin issues from Niue Islands:
1) Battle of Marathon: Battles that changed History Coin Series: A $2 Silver coin issued by the New Zealand Mint of behalf of Niue Islands in 2018
2) Sachin Tendulkar: "World's Greatest Batsman": Gold & Silver coins issued by the New Zealand Mint on behalf of Niue Islands in 2015
3) The Red Dragon, an issue from Niue Island: minted by the New Zealand Mint: "The Mythical Dragons of the World Coin Series": The first Silver 5 Dollars selectively coloured Coin in the Series features the "Red Dragon of Vortigern": Year of issue: 2019
4) "The Four Dragons", Niue Island: Minted by the New Zealand Mint: The "Mythical Dragons of the World Coin Series": The second Silver 5 Dollars Selectively Coloured Coin in the Series features the Four Dragons: the Long Dragon, the Yellow Dragon, the Black Dragon and the Pearl Dragon: Year of issue: 2019
5) The "1001 Arabian Nights Tales": First $2 Silver crown Coin coin in the Series depicts the "story of Ali Baba and the 40 thieves": Coin issue date: 29.03.2019
6) Niue Island: "The Seven Voyages of Sindbad the Sailor": The "1001 Arabian Nights Tales": The Second Coin in the Series features the story of Sindbadthe Sailor, on a $2 Silver Crown Coin issued by the New Zealand Mint on behalf of Niue Island in the South Pacific: Issue date: 05/2019
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