1 Dollar Swan Pattern Dollar; Gold Proof Fantasy Coin

While this coin is not an offical issue, it is now part of numismatic history that has attained significant status with collectors. when decimal currency was introduced in 1966, collectors were surprised to learn that a one dollar coin was not considered as part of the new lineup. The editor of the Australian Coin Review took up the challenge and conducted a competition among readers. The "Swan Dollar" (more commonly called the Goose Dollar) was the winning entry and the design was forwarded to the relevant Government Department. When the design was rejected, the competition organisers decided to have it privately minted. All coins were issued in a maroon coloured case, with the inscription Australian Pattern "Crown" in three lines inside the lid. The case of the Plain edge coin has the designation "PROOF" added as a forth line.

An excerpt from the 2014 Pocket Guide to Australian Coins and Banknotes By Greg McDonald, page 169