04/10/2024
When Countdown roared onto ABC television in 1974, Australian pop culture changed forever. For more than a decade, music lovers across the country tuned in every Sunday night to watch the latest bands and count down to the number one single for the week.
The Royal Australian Mint (the Mint), in partnership with ABC TV, is proud to launch its latest collectible coin, paying homage to the most successful and influential pop/rock music television program ever produced in Australia.
The coin’s reverse features the iconic Countdown logo on a retro television set, with stars and music notes, surrounded by a tunnel of stage lights.
Renowned expert music journalist, Myf Warhurst, was on hand to help launch the coin alongside the voice of Countdown Gavin Wood and Royal Australian Mint CEO Leigh Gordon.
According to Leigh Gordon, few Australian television shows have affected Australian culture, like Countdown.
“The influence Countdown had on the Australian music industry at the time was significant,” Mr Gordon said.
“On Sunday evenings, loyal viewers tuned in to what became the most popular music program in Australian TV history. For thirteen years, the program held sway over what became a hit. One appearance could create overnight rock gods and pop divas, in effect generating the biggest break an Australian music act could hope for.
“It would be remiss of the Mint not to celebrate this iconic Australian program with a coin as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.”
ABC Chief Content Officer Chris Oliver-Taylor said Countdown placed Australian music on the world stage.
“Countdown is more than just a TV show, it’s part of our cultural landscape,” Mr Oliver-Taylor said.
“It captured the spirit of youth culture and connected with Australian music audiences like no other show, as well as elevating Australian music on the world stage. The ABC is incredibly honoured to have the 50th anniversary of this iconic program celebrated by the Royal Australian Mint.”
Music legend and the face of Countdown, Molly Meldrum, said hosting the show was a huge honour.
“I am left with such fond memories of those days and a show that will never be forgotten,” Mr Meldrum said.
“We made a difference to the music industry in Australia and so I am thrilled to see a commemorative coin being made. Do yourself a favour and get one. Iconic Countdown lives on.”
Gavin Wood, the Voice of Countdown, is very excited to be part of the coin launch event.
“There is no doubt, Countdown was the most important show in Australian music history. Three million people weekly can't be wrong.
“It was an amazing experience to be a part of such an iconic show,” Mr Wood said.
The stunning new coloured 50c coin is $17.50 and is available for purchase through the following channels:
- EQL ballot
- The Royal Australian Mint Coin Shop, Denison Street, Deakin from 8.30am Thursday 3 October 2024
- Mint Contact Centre on 1300 652 020 from 8.30am Thursday 3 October 2024
- From participating authorised distributors
Registration for the EQL ballot opens at 8.30am on Wednesday, 2 October and closes at 8.30am on Thursday, 3 October. The draw will take place immediately following the ballot, with successful entrants notified by email. To register for the ballot, visit the Mint at www.ramint.gov.au and follow the links in the banner.
Coin design
2024 50c Coloured Uncirculated Coin – 50th Anniversary of Countdown (RRP $17.50)
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Reverse
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Packaging
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About the Royal Australian Mint
The Mint is an award-winning, world class Mint and a global leader in the mint industry. The Mint produces circulating coins for Australia and other countries, collectible and investment coins for domestic and international customers, and custom-made medals, medallions and tokens for individual or corporate clients.
The Mint is also a national cultural attraction that educates millions of Australians and international visitors on the history of Australia’s decimal currency, and the significance and value of coins.