June 19, 2014 – As Australians prepared for Anzac Day 2014, Friday April 25, the Royal Australian Mint unveiled a significant new triangular $5 collectible coin; the first from the Anzac Centenary Coin Program, on March 27. The coin commemorates the Centenary of the First World War, as well as pays tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for Australia in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
Australia/ 5 AUD/ Silver 999/ 22.23 g/ 33.90mm/ Mintage: 10,000. © Royal Australian Mint.
The Royal Australian Mint has partnered with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Australian War Memorial for the 2014-2018 Anzac Centenary period, to produce this collection of commemorative coins. The 2014 $5 Silver Proof Triangular “Lest We Forget” Coin is the first of a program of coins to mark significant events and dates from Australia’s military history.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Australian Mint, Ross MacDiarmid, said that the Mint is proud to play a part during this commemorative period to help Australians reflect upon our nation’s experience of war.
Coin’s reverse. The stylised poppy is probably the most common symbol to commemorate soldiers in English-speaking countries since World War I. In the Commonwealth countries, poppies are e.g. worn for Remembrance Day (November 11), therefore also known as Poppy Day. © Royal Australian Mint.
“As Australia looks to pay tribute to the 100th Anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War, the new triangular ‘Lest We Forget’ coin will help tell the story of this pivotal period in our young nation’s history,” said Mr MacDiarmid.
The coin features poppies known for flourishing amidst the desolation of war and between the graves of the fallen, set against a sunset over the low-rolling hills of the Western Front. The poignant words within read, “At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them.”
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, the Honourable Steven Ciobo MP, said that the Mint’s Anzac Centenary Coin Program honours the courageous servicemen and women who served and sacrificed for Australia. “This is a fitting way to pay homage to all Australians who served in not only the First World War, but over a century of service,” said Mr Ciobo.
Poppies decorate the memorials in the Field of Remembrance outside London’s Westminster Abbey for Remembrance Day, 2002.
“The actions of these brave Australian men and women during the critical years of 1914-1918 will not be forgotten; they helped to shape the nation we are today,” said Mr Ciobo.
The Anzac Centenary themes planned for commemoration were also revealed on March 27 and officially launched along with the triangular coin by Senator the Honourable Michael Ronaldson, Minister for Veteran’s Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Centenary of ANZAC, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston AC, AFC (Ret’d) and Australian War Memorial Director Dr Brendan Nelson.
Mr MacDiarmid said that the thought-provoking designs of the coins from the Anzac Centenary Coin Program will encourage Australians to look deeper into our military history and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“The beautifully crafted, inspiring and meaningful coins will help Australians share their story of sacrifice, preserve their legacy, and help honour their memory,” said Mr MacDiarmid.
For more information or images of the triangular “Lest We Forget” coin, or for details on the Anzac Centenary Coin Program, please visit the Royal Australian Mint.
CoinsWeekly also recently reported on the release of the $1 100 Years of ANZAC circulating coin.