$1 Fine Silver Proof High Relief Coin. First issued on 14 May 1984, the $1 coin was introduced to replace the readily-damaged $1 note due to its greater durability and lower cost of production. Art teacher-turned-coin designer, Stuart Devlin – the man behind Australia’s other circulating coin designs – was again chosen to submit a piece of unique Australian artwork. The result was an astounding, now iconic, image. #coincollecting