The Royal Australian Mint have launched a new silver coin as part of the ANZAC centennial celebrations which honors the Australian recipients of the Victoria Cross military award. Since 1856, the Victoria Cross (VC) has been bestowed upon those members of the British and commonwealth forces who, in the face of the enemy, experience the realities of combat and danger to its fullest.

As a true testimony to highest military honor, only 100 Australians have ever been awarded the medal throughout its history. These fine men, who represent all who have served, are honored with this coin. The first Australian recipient, Major General Sir Neville Reginald Howse VC KCB KCMG, was honored for rescuing a wounded man under fire in the second Boer War. The most recent recipient, Corporal Cameron Baird VC MG was posthumously honored for making the ultimate sacrifice as a member of the Australian Special Operations Task Group, which was facing a Taliban stronghold in Afghanistan.

Befitting the beauty and prestige of Australia’s highest military honor, this exceptional coin takes advantage of frosting techniques and stunning silver to pay tribute to Australia’s 100 Victoria Cross recipients. The reverse design includes a rendition of the Victoria Cross along with the commemorative inscription: “THE VICTORIA CROSS FOR AUSTRALIA” along the lower edge of the coin. The obverse includes the current portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II designed by Ian Rank-Broadley as well as the coin’s denomination of five Dollars under the portrait and the year of issue, 2014.

Denomination Metal Weight Dimensions Quality Mintage 5 Dollars .999 silver 31 grams 40 mm. Frosted UNC 30,000 pieces

The Royal Australian Mint are expecting demand for this coin to be significant, and are encouraging interested collectors to pre-order now for delivery after the 2nd June 2014. For more information on this and other coins offered by the Royal Australian Mint, please visit their website at: https://eshop.ramint.gov.au/2014-5-Silver-Victoria-Cross/310651.aspx Information offered in English, international orders dispatched.

A $10 copper coin with an antique finish will also be issued. With a limit of only 5,000 pieces, the public is invited to submit a ballot entry for an opportunity to purchase an example of the coin.



