2012 ANDA Special Release – $5 Antique Uncirculated Coin – Sydney City Hall

 Built on the site of Sydney’s first official European cemetery, Sydney Town Hall was constructed of honey-coloured ‘yellow block’ sandstone quarried from nearby Pyrmont between 1868 and 1889. Architecturally, it is a striking example of French Second Empire (Napoleon III) architecture, taking its inspiration from the Hotel de Ville in Paris and French chateaux and is distinguished by its mansard roofs and wrought iron cresting. The design was chosen from a winning entry submitted by architect J H Willson in 1868. His original concept was interpreted and embellished by successive council architects and engineers as the building evolved. The coin is presented in a postcard sized packaging with information on some of the history of Sydney City Hall.