Badminton, Gymnastics, Rugby 7s and Cycling to be honoured by Royal Australian Mint coin release

7th July 2005

To celebrate the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, The Royal Australian Mint will issue the second release of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Coin Collection on the 14th of July 2005. Badminton, Gymnastics, Rugby 7s and Cycling are the four sports to be highlighted in this coin release.

This is the second release in a unique and exciting 50 cent coin collection that will be released progressively up to the commencement of the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games in March next year and is designed to represent both the spirit of the Games and each of the 16 Commonwealth Games sports

The controller of The Royal Australian Mint Dr Vivienne Thom said, "The Royal Australian Mint is honoured to release these coins in this wonderful collection. These coins highlight some of the most fascinating and popular sports being competed at the Games and I am sure that they will prove to be extremely popular among coin and sport lovers alike."

Eight more sports coins will be released in the coming months to coincide with the lead up to the Games.

This is a collection that is sure to generate strong interest from collectors'.

Orders for this release or any Royal Australian Mint products can be placed by contacting the Royal Australian Mint on 1300 652 020 or order online at www.ramint.gov.au