Product Description
Specifications
2009 $5 International Year of Astronomy Meteorite Silver Proof Coin – 50g
Product Overview
The 2009 $5 International Year of Astronomy Meteorite Silver Proof Coin is one of the Royal Australian Mint's more unusual modern commemorative releases, combining 50 grams of .999 fine silver with genuine meteorite fragments.
Issued to celebrate the International Year of Astronomy 2009, the coin contains fragments from the famous Campo del Cielo meteorite, which fell to Earth thousands of years ago in what is now Argentina. Encapsulated at the centre of the coin, the meteorite gives each piece a tangible connection to the astronomical theme it commemorates.
Struck to proof quality and issued as $5 Australian legal tender, the coin has an authorised mintage of 10,000, although Royal Australian Mint records indicate that only 5,100 coins were struck. This example is presented in its original hinged presentation case with numbered Certificate of Authenticity and outer shipper.
Key Features & Benefits
- 50g Fine Silver Coin – Struck from 50 grams of 99.9% pure silver.
- Genuine Meteorite Fragments – Contains material from the Campo del Cielo meteorite.
- International Year of Astronomy – Issued to commemorate the worldwide celebration of astronomy in 2009.
- Proof Finish – Produced specifically for the collector market by the Royal Australian Mint.
- 50mm Diameter – Large-format design provides space for the detailed astronomical theme and central meteorite feature.
- 5,100 Coins Struck – Actual production was substantially below the authorised maximum mintage of 10,000.
- $5 Australian Legal Tender – Official commemorative coin produced by the Royal Australian Mint.
- Original Presentation – Supplied with presentation case, numbered Certificate of Authenticity and outer shipper.
Design & Craftsmanship
The coin's design explores humanity's relationship with the night sky and the wider universe. One side incorporates planetary paths within our solar system as they circle the Sun, together with a smaller-format effigy of Queen Elizabeth II.
The opposing design presents astronomy as a shared global experience, incorporating recognisable landmarks including Mount Fuji, the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty and the Sydney Opera House. Four faces gaze towards the night sky, representing people around the world sharing the same universe.
At the centre sits the feature that sets this coin apart – genuine Campo del Cielo meteorite fragments sealed within a transparent capsule. The meteorite material is primarily iron, with trace elements including nickel and cobalt, providing a physical piece of extraterrestrial material within the coin itself.
Authentication & Specifications
Mint: Royal Australian Mint
Country: Australia
Year: 2009
Theme: International Year of Astronomy
Product Type: Silver Proof Coin with Meteorite Insert
Metal: Silver
Purity: 99.9% / .999 Fine Silver
Weight: 50g
Diameter: 50mm
Denomination: $5 AUD
Finish: Proof
Obverse: Queen Elizabeth II
Obverse Designer: Ian Rank-Broadley
Special Feature: Genuine Campo del Cielo Meteorite Fragments
Maximum Mintage: 10,000
Actual Mintage: 5,100
Packaging: Hinged Presentation Case with Numbered Certificate of Authenticity and Outer Shipper
Packaging & Availability
The coin is housed in its distinctive terra-cotta coloured hinged presentation case and accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity detailing the meteorite feature. The presentation case is protected by a colourful outer cardboard shipper.
Although the authorised mintage was 10,000, Royal Australian Mint records indicate that only 5,100 proof coins were struck, making the final production considerably smaller than originally planned.
Discover More
Explore our range of silver coins, including Royal Australian Mint commemoratives, unusual collector issues and Australian silver proof coins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the 2009 Astronomy coin unusual?
Its standout feature is the inclusion of genuine meteorite material within the coin. Rather than simply depicting space or astronomy, the Royal Australian Mint incorporated actual Campo del Cielo meteorite fragments into the centre of the coin, directly connecting the physical collectible with its astronomical theme.
What is the Campo del Cielo meteorite?
Campo del Cielo, meaning "Field of Heaven", refers to a group of iron meteorites discovered in Argentina. The meteorite material used for this coin came from this famous fall, which occurred thousands of years ago. The material is composed predominantly of iron with smaller amounts of nickel and other elements.
Why was 2009 designated the International Year of Astronomy?
The International Year of Astronomy 2009 was a worldwide initiative celebrating astronomy and its contribution to science and culture. It coincided with the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei's early astronomical use of the telescope in 1609, an event that transformed humanity's understanding of the night sky.
What gives this coin its broader collector appeal?
This release crosses several collecting themes: Australian numismatics, astronomy, meteorites, science and unusual coin production. Its 50g silver format, proof finish, genuine extraterrestrial material and actual production of 5,100 pieces make it quite different from a conventional commemorative silver coin.
Condition Note: This is a vintage collectible. Minor imperfections to the coin, Certificate of Authenticity, presentation case, outer shipper or other packaging may be present and are considered consistent with age, storage and previous handling. Individual examples may vary slightly in appearance.