Lieutenant General Peter Cosgrove strikes $1 coin which commemorates Army centenary
5th March 2001
Lieutenant General Peter Cosgrove today minted a $1 coin commemorating the Army's 100th birthday, at the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra.
As a prelude to the national celebrations beginning in Canberra in a few days, Lieutenant General Cosgrove has launched the coin, which he hopes will raise awareness of the bravery and sacrifices of the Army's servicemen and women over the last century.
Lieutenant General Peter Cosgrove made his way into the secured production area of the Royal Australian Mint today, where he struck three $1 Army coins, one of which will be used to raise money at a charity auction.
During 2001, the Australian Army celebrates 100 years of service. Over the last century it has played an important role in forging our national identity. The force has earned an enviable reputation internationally, participating in both World Wars and numerous other deployments. The Army has now been added to the list of important themes commemorated on our nation's coinage, its 100 year milestone struck into history as a lasting memento for future generations.
For the past 100 years our servicemen and women have displayed exceptional devotion and sacrifice to the people of our nation, and other regions of the world. As we all know, coins last a long time, so to have the Army represented on their surface ensures that the memory of our effort survives.
-Lieutenant General Peter Cosgrove
The $1 fine silver coin, produced to the highest minting standard, known as 'proof,' is limited to just 20,000 coins and costs $32.31. An aluminium bronze version, costing $2.17, is also available, with a small letter 'C' struck into the design, denoting the striking location as Canberra. Both $1 Army coins are available from the Royal Australian Mint by calling 1300 652 020, selected Australia Post outlets and coin dealers.
The new $1 design:
The 'Rising Sun' badge and the words 'The Australian Army' appear on the coin. Acknowledging the 100th anniversary are the dates '1901-2001' underneath the crest and 'Centenary of the Army' above. Written in words, not numbers as per the standard design, is 'One Dollar'.
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$1 fine silver proof Australian Army Centenary |
Background
The Royal Australian Mint has produced a $1 fine silver proof coin commemorating 100 years of the service of the Australian Army.
In support of acknowledging the bravery and sacrifices made by Australia's men and women over the last century, Lieutenant General Peter Cosgrove will officially mint the $1 Fine Silver Coin in the coining hall of the national Mint. The minting of this coin follows the Army's 100th anniversary on 1 March.
Bearing the Army's crest, the 'Rising Sun' badge, and wording 'Centenary of the Army' the silver coin is made to the highest minting quality known as 'proof' and comes in a clear plastic capsule for protection.
During our Centenary of Federation, the Army also celebrates 100 years in defence of Australia and protection of other regions of the world. Our servicemen and women have now been acknowledged with the production of a coin in their honour.
Lieutenant General Peter Cosgrove will mint three of the coins: one each for the Army's and Mint's archives, and the third for a charity auction.
The $1 Army coins can be purchased from the Royal Australian Mint, selected Australia Post outlets and coin dealers.