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Australia was very active in issuing commemorative coins for the International Year of Astronomy 2009.

The obverse of the first commemorative $ 1 coin features CSIRo's Parkes radio telescope known as "The Dish". Legend around is "International Year of Astronomy 2009". Below is the face value "ONE DOLLAR".

australia 1 hatlapaustralia 1 elolap

The reverse follows the usual design of Australian coins. The material of this coin is the usual material for $ 1 coins.

The second commemorative $ 1 coin is made of silver. On the obverse the scene shows a pair observing with a telescope. The Souther Cross is also depicted, while the background is filled with color image of the Orion nebula. The Horse Head Nebula is clearly visible in front of the telescope mount. Legend around is "INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF ASTRONOMY 2009".

australia 2 hatlapaustralia 2 elolap

The reverse follows the usual design of Australian coins, with the face value, legend is "ELIZABETH II · AUSTRALIA 2009 · 1 DOLLAR · ".

The obverse of the third $ 1 coin resembles the official logo of IYA 2009. The stars here form the Southern Cross again. Legend below is: "INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF ASTRONOMY 2009".

australia 3 hatlapaustralia 3 elolap

The reverse again follows the usual design of Australian coins, with the face value, legend is "ELIZABETH II · AUSTRALIA 2009 · 1 DOLLAR · ".

The fourth coin is completely different from the previous ones. The obverse of the coin shows a "fish-eye view of the world" around the rim.  You may notice the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Stonehenge, the Opera in Sidney etc. The centre is holed and contains meteorite pieces. Legend around the rim is: "INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF ASTRONOMY 2009".

australia 4 elolapaustralia 4 hatlap

The reverse does not follow the usual design of Australian coins. A stylized sun and concentric rings are shown. The legend is "ELIZABETH II" and "AUSTRALIA 2009" and "5 DOLLARS". This 50 mm diameter, 50 gram weight coin was made of 999 fine silver and was designed by Wojcieh Pietranik.