30/10/2014
As the producer of the nation’s Official Anzac Centenary Coin Program and Major Partner of Anzac Albany, the Royal Australian Mint (the Mint) is marking the weekend with special keepsakes available exclusively for the participants in the Albany commemorations.
The Anzac Albany crowd will be some of the first to see Australia’s newest coloured circulating coin in their change from the Mint’s special commemorative pop-up shop in Albany open from today until Sunday 2 November 2014.
“Australia’s third coloured circulating coin marks Remembrance Day 2014 and is normally distributed around this time. We thought it would be fitting to bring the coins to Albany as it marks the beginning of our Anzacs’ journey and Remembrance Day marking the end through the Armistice,” said Royal Australian Mint Acting CEO Mr Dom Appay.
The coloured circulating coin features a dove and olive branch symbolising peace with tranquil green colour print on each coin. The general public will start to see this coin in their change in the coming weeks.
Another unique experience for those attending Anzac Albany is the opportunity to stamp an 'AL' for Albany onto the coin program's flagship coin - the 2014 $1 100 Years of Anzac - Spirit Lives Circulating Coin.
The coin retails for $10 each with a mintage of 15,000 and is only available at the Mint’s Anzac Albany pop-up shop located at the Stirling Terrace Mess Hall in Albany, Western Australia.
“This is the first time ‘AL’ has been stamped onto an Australian coin -counterstamping is usually reserved for the capital cities we travel to for coin shows but we wanted to create a meaningful keepsake for those who have travelled to Albany. It will provide them with something to mark the milestone and allow them to share the story for years to come,” said Mr Appay.
Federal Member for O'Connor Mr Rick Wilson MP and City of Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington will strike 'AL' onto their own coins tomorrow, Friday 31 October, in Albany to officially launch the coins.
Two precious metal coins with low mintages have also been produced as part of the Official Anzac Centenary Coin Program for those who are looking for something in gold or silver to mark the 100th anniversary of the embarkation.
This design shows the fresh faces of the Anzacs contrasted with the ships which would carry them to war. The silhouette of a lone mounted soldier is used to signify that behind each of those young soldiers is a story of service. These are not exclusive to Anzac Albany attendees and can be bought online https://eshop.ramint.gov.au
For images of any of the coins detailed above please visit: www.ramint.gov.au/media/press-releases/2014/20141028.cfm
More information about Anzac Albany is available from the website - www.anzacalbany.com.au/
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For media enquiries contact:
Michelle Nakamura, Royal Australian Mint: 0418 164 769