2022 $1 150 Years of Free Education PNC

Celebrate 150 years of offering free secular & compulsory education in Australia with this PNC (Postal Numismatic Cover) first issued on 11 October 2022 in Melbourne, featuring a $1 coin and a $1.1 stamp. This postal numismatic cover is limited to 7,000.  This special release marks a significant milestone in Australian history, recognizing the impact of accessible education on generations of students.

The $1 coin showcases a commemorative design honoring Australia’s commitment to free education, while the $1.1 stamp features an artistic tribute to learning and progress. This PNC is a must-have for collectors, history enthusiasts, and those who appreciate the value of education.

The Education Act was passed in Victoria on 17 December 1872. This legislation made the colony one of the first jurisdictions in the world to offer free, compulsory and secular education to its children. Public education was now administered by the centralised Victorian Department of Education. Subsequent to the Act, education was free, children were obliged to attend school from the age of 6 to 15, and secular instruction promoted fairness and harmony in a society then riven by sectarianism. Before 1872 most schools were controlled by Catholic or Protestant churches or were privately operated, and many children were not receiving an education at all. By 1908, all six states of the Commonwealth of Australia had centralised government departments administering free, compulsory and secular education. Today, Australia has a robust public education system, with the majority of children attending public government schools.

This limited-edition release is a rare find, making it a valuable addition to any numismatic or philatelic collection. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of Australian history!