Treasurer launches coin program for Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games
11th March 2005
The first coins of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Coin Program, featuring the Queen's Baton Relay, are rolling off the presses at the Royal Australian Mint following the launch of the coins and program by the Federal Treasurer, the Hon Peter Costello MP.
The Treasurer said he is "proud the Australian Government is a provider to the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games and is especially pleased the Royal Australian Mint is not only designing and providing the medals but has been able to produce an outstanding range of commemorative coins, building on a national and international reputation of minting excellence."
"As part of its commitment to strengthening our relationship with Commonwealth countries and celebrating Australian society, the Australian Government is providing $15 million to fully fund the international and domestic legs of the Queen's Baton Relay. The Australian Government is proudly contributing over $280 million as part of the coordinated effort underway to ensure the Melbourne 2006 Games are a success. This includes direct financial assistance of $102.9 million to the Victorian Government and services and support valued at $177.9 million" said the Treasurer.
The Queen's Baton Relay coin has been designed by renowned Australian designer Peter Soobik. Peter has created a striking design which incorporates the unique Queen's Baton as well as the well-known Melbourne landmark the Princess Bridge. The Treasurer went on to remark that "the Royal Australian Mint has certainly created coins that uniquely capture and commemorate this event."
Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Chief Executive Officer, John Harnden said he was delighted to welcome the Royal Australian Mint to the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Sponsor Family.
"Announcing this relationship with the Royal Australian Mint brings us one step closer in the countdown to the Melbourne Games. The collector coin unveiled today is just the beginning of a number of joint announcements we will make with the Royal Australian Mint during the next year, prior to the opening ceremony in March 2006," Mr Harnden said.
The Melbourne 2006 Queen's Baton Relay will embark on its ground-breaking year-long journey on 14 March 2005 when it departs Buckingham Palace on its way to the Opening Ceremony of the Games.
| Coin | Description | Download |
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Melbourne 2006 - Queen's Baton Relay Proof Packaging | JPG 1.5MB (Zip) |
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Melbourne 2006 - Queen's Baton Relay Proof Coin | JPG 1.8MB (Zip) |
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Melbourne 2006 - Queen's Baton Relay Unc Packaging |
JPG 1.5MB (Zip) |
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Melbourne 2006 - Queen's Baton Relay Unc Coin |
JPG 2.3MB (Zip) |