Perth Mint – Australia: Commemorative Design Features On 10th Anniversary Wedge-tailed Eagle Gold And Silver Coins

The Perth Mint release commemorative gold and silver proof coins which are part of the Australian wedge-tailed collector series.

by Michael Alexander | Published on August 26, 2024

First launched in 2014, the series features designs of this majestic predator raptor indigenous to Australia and are all designed by renowned American medallist John M. Mercanti, 12th Chief Engraver of the US Mint (retired). Each year, the reverse features a spectacular changing image of Australia’s largest bird of prey. Named for its long, distinctively shaped tail, the wedge-tailed eagle has a wingspan of more than 2.5 metres or, 8.2 feet. With the ability to fly tirelessly for many hours, it’s known to soar at altitudes of 2,000 metres or 6,500 feet and beyond on thermal air currents rising from Australia’s sun-baked terrain. On the occasion of the coin series’ tenth anniversary, the reverse side of the coins depict a wedge-tailed eagle soaring on a background featuring geometrically arranged elements that suggest a sunburst. The design incorporates the inscriptions AUSTRALIAN WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE and 10TH ANNIVERSARY. Also included on the reverse is the coin’s weight, fineness, year of release 2024 and a P125 mintmark signifying The Perth Mint’s 125th anniversary. The obverse includes an effigy of HM King Charles III created by Engraver Dan Thorne along with the legend CHARLES III · AUSTRALIA 2024. Above the effigy is a special privy mark of a wedge-tailed eagle in flight, about to land on the branch of tree and below the king’s likeness is the denomination 500 DOLLARS (gold) 150 DOLLARS (bi-metallic) or 3 DOLLARS (silver).

Denomination Metal Weight Diameter Quality Maximum Mintage 
3 Dollars99.99 Silver93.3 g.50 mm.Proof5,000
150 Dollars*Bi-metallic46.6 g.36.5 mm.Proof225
500 Dollars99.99 Gold155.5 g.40.9 mm.Proof55

*The Bi-metallic coin contains 23.3 grams of 99.99 Gold (centre) and 23.3 grams of 99.95 Platinum (outer ring) with a total weight of 1.5 ounces.

Available from the 13th August, the silver strikes are encapsulated and presented in a custom case accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. The bi-metallic and pure gold coins are encapsulated and presented in a polished hardwood case accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. For additional information and a list of authorised distributors, please visit the e-webshop of the Perth Mint.

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Author: Michael Alexander

Michael Alexander image Michael’s background in both numismatics and banknotes spans more than three decades and whose activities have varied from being a dedicated world coin collector to coin & medal design, marketing, theme concept and production. His additional interests include banknote research and in 1997, he founded the London Banknote and Monetary Research Centre to further these interests and activities. The company continues to offer monthly currency bulletins to both online and printed publications which includes information about the latest banknote news and releases from Central Banks and Monetary Authorities around the world. Michael has been a contributor to COIN NEWS magazine based in the UK since 1998 where many of his in-depth interviews, articles and bulletins have been published.

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