A FAMILIAR crustacean will appear on a new release of collectable $1 coins hitting the shelves this week.
Kingston SE icon Larry the Lobster has made its mark as one of 10 ‘Big Things’ featured on a new set of collectable coins, available through Australia Post.
The coins came following an Australia Post survey, which sought to find out which of the nation’s Big Things were the most beloved around the country.
Larry made the cut and was the only Big Thing from South Australia on the list.
Australia Post general manager retail product and supply chain Kayla Le Cornu said the collection recognised how much communities like Kingston loved their big icons.
“Our Big Things are colourful, entertaining and truly make their mark in so many local communities across Australia,” she said.
“We’re celebrating some of our most iconic Big Things with this new coin collection, in partnership with the Royal Australian Mint.”
With a family connection to Larry, Member for MacKillop Nick McBride said it was an honour to see a local iconic tourist attraction immortalised on the $1 coin.
“Many people won’t realise, but Larry was actually built for Katherine McBride’s father, Ian Backler, and his friend, Rob Moyse.
“Katherine’s parents owned the adjacent ‘Big Lobster’ Motel – and thought it would be a great idea to have a giant lobster to attract tourists to the town.
“They also wanted the Lobster to be a gateway to the South East’s lucrative and important lobster industry.”
“I doubt they would have ever thought that Larry would make it onto a $1 coin – and I know that Katherine’s father will be immensely proud to see this happen.”
Other Big Things featured in the collection include Queensland’s Big Pineapple, Coffs Harbour’s Big Banana, and the Giant Koala from Dadswell Bridge.
