March 6, 2014 – The Royal Australian Mint has launched a new circulating coin commemorating the Anzac Centenary, the 2014 $1 100 Years of ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps). The army corps was formed during the First World War and is remembered for fighting in Gallipoli in the Ottoman Empire. Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand to commemorate those fallen in wars.
© Royal Australian Mint.
The Spirit Lives circulating coin was unveiled by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson and Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, The Hon. Steve Ciobo at Parliament House on February 13.
The coin features the Anzac Centenary logo including the image of an Australian Digger, head bowed and rifle reversed in solemn reflection and the words “100 Years of Anzac – The Spirit Lives”. The coin is rimmed with a motif reflecting the sun’s rays as captured on the Australian Army’s Rising Sun badge. This circulating coin has been produced with the approval of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Popular illustration of Anzac troops after the fighting at Gallipoli/ Wikipedia.
This coin entered general circulation around Australia on February 13, and will be distributed through banks and retailers. This coin is not available for purchase and is not available in uncirculated or proof finish. As a circulating coin, the 2014 $1 100 Years of ANZAC coin is not a part of the Royal Australian Mint’s commemorative coin program.
The Mint will be producing a large number of these coins, approximately one for every person in the country. While it may take some time for the circulation to reach everyone, it is hoped that all Australians will have held one of these coins in the near future.
Royal Australian Mint CEO, Ross MacDiarmid, said the Mint had a proud tradition of commemorating Australian military history with the production of a coin and the 2014 $1 “100 Years of Anzac – The Spirit Lives” circulating coin would add to that.
Each year on ANZAC Day in Te Awamutu, New Zealand the graves of War Veterans are decorated/ Wikipedia.
“The Anzac Spirit has long been invoked as part of the essence of what it is to be Australian. The Anzac Centenary reminds us all that it is a living spirit and this coin captures aspects of that spirit in a permanent form,” Mr MacDiarmid said.
As Australia’s official coin producer, the Royal Australian Mint has developed a comprehensive coin program to be released over the coming Centenary period, marking significant events and dates from 1914-1918. The 2014 $1 Century of Service circulating coin will be a reminder for all Australians of the courage and selflessness of those who’ve served in Australia’s Defence Force for many years to come.
You can read more about the tradition of Anzac Day on this website provided by the Australian Government.
You find the Royal Australian Mint here.
Or check out this article in CoinsWeekly about commemorative coins by the Perth Mint, among them a coin featuring ANZAC and the Battle of Gallipoli.