2011 Dame Nellie Melba 1861-1931 PNC. Soprano Dame Nellie Melba, Australia's first international celebrity, was born Helen Porter Mitchell in Richmond, Melbourne. After making her European debut in 1887, she was feted throughout Europe and America until her retirement in the late 1920's. Melba;s repertoire included many roles, the famous being Mimi in Puccini's La Boheme. She moved to high society and performed for many of the royal heads of Europe, including the Tsar, Emperor Franz Joseph and Queen Victoria. Nellie Melba died in Sydney in 1931 and is buried in Lilydale cemetery, not far from her beloved Coombe Cottage, the Coldstream property she purchased in 1909. Pnc features commemorative $1 coin and 60 cent stamp. *Please note plastic outer sleeve is slight crinkled but doesn't interfere with item. Please contact Adelaide Exchange Jewellers to find out more on this product.