2008 $1 The First Fleet Captain Arthur Phillip 1oz Silver Coloured Proof Coin

The First Fleet set sail from England on 13 May 1787, bound for the east coast of New Holland. Just seventeen years earlier, Lieutenant James Cook had charted the area, claiming the land he called New South Wales for Britain. Cook's claim was affirmed by Captain Arthur Phillip, commander of the First Fleet. This coin's coloured reverse, which incorporates The Perth Mint's 'P' mintmark, portrays Governor Arthur Phillip and an outline of Australia containing the words NEW HOLLAND. The design, which also includes the inscription THE FIRST FLEET 1788, appears within a circular border of stylised waves.