02/01/2017
An iconic name in cricketing history, and now commemorated on a special collectible 50 cent coin, Richie Benaud will be remembered ahead of the Australia v Pakistan test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with Daphne Benaud, widow of the late cricket great, present on field during the coin toss.
With a name synonymous with cricket, Richie Benaud carved out an impressive career as Australia's celebrated former cricket captain and commentator, now forever remembered on an Australian legal tender 50 cent coin released by the Royal Australian Mint (the Mint) in November last year.
Daphne Benaud said that the coin was a great way to remember Richie’s influence across the many aspects of cricket, on and off the field.
“It is an honour for Richie to have been recognised in this way. The coin is a wonderful memento of Richie’s achievements not only on the cricket field but in the world of newspapers, television and radio.” said Daphne Benaud.
Mint CEO Ross MacDiarmid said that it has been a pleasure for Mint staff to work alongside Daphne and the Benaud family to celebrate the legacy of Richie Benaud and therefore it is fitting to have a family member present for this commemoration.
“Richie Benaud will forever be an integral part of cricket, from his reputation as a talented sportsman to his renowned demeanour in the commentary box, and the Mint is proud to be able to produce a meaningful coin to remember his career,” said Mr MacDiarmid.
“We are honoured to be able to work alongside the Benaud family while developing this commemorative piece and therefore it is particularly fitting to have Daphne present at the coin toss in Sydney.”
With a strictly limited product mintage of 95 929, the maximum amount of coins to be released is inspired by statistics from Richie’s remarkable cricket career.
As an Australian inspiration, Benaud’s legend will be forever commemorated on the 2016 50c Uncirculated Coin, available for purchase here: https://eshop.ramint.gov.au/Richie-Benaud-The-Voice-of-Cricket-1930-2015/311024.aspx
For high resolution images of the coin please see below.
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For media enquiries contact:
Elyse Moore, Royal Australian Mint – (02) 6202 6975, 0466 562 598 or elyse.moore@ramint.gov.au
How did we come up with the mintage – 95 929?
A combination of statistics from Richie Benaud’s cricketing career. Please see below:
Runs |
13 920 |
Wickets |
1193 |
100s |
26 |
50s |
70 |
Balls bowled |
79 589 |
Catches |
319 |
Matches |
322 |
Batting innings |
462 |
Tests captained for Australia |
28 |
Total |
95 929 |
COIN | DESCRIPTION |
---|---|
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2017 50c Uncirculated Coin - Reverse |
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2017 50c Uncirculated Coin - Packaging |