1998 Proof Set

In 1770, when in sight of the east coast of Australia, Captain James Cook speculated about the existence of a sea passage to the north of Van Diemen’s Land, as Tasmania was then known. It was another 28 years before Cook’s suspicions were proved correct. George Bass and Matthew Flinders, in the sloop Norfolk, made the first voyage through the straits in December 1798. With a commemorative 50c, this six coin Proof Set acknowledges the contribution of both Bass and Finders, to the knowledge of Australia.