As evidenced by the substantial number of tragic shipwrecks over the centuries, the 37,600km of Australian coastline has innumerable hazards for ships approaching landfall, such as reefs, sandbars and strong currents. Being all-too-familiar with the dangers, early settlers quickly understood the need for manned beacons, with the first lighthouse completed in 1818. In 1915, the Commonwealth of Australia officially took over responsibility for Australia’s lighthouses, and the Royal Australian Mint’s sparkling new 99.9% pure silver $5 coin pays homage to the centenary of this event.