The British declaration of war on 4 August 1914 was greeted with widespread enthusiasm and jubilation across the Empire.
In Australia, it was a chance for the fledgling nation to prove itself in battle and to rally to the cause, with the then Prime Minister, Joseph Cook, declaring “…When the Empire is at war, so is Australia at war.”
Across Australia the population began mobilising for war. Volunteers swamped recruiting offices to join the Australian Imperial Force. Most Australians believed the war would be over quickly, and many volunteers were motivated by loyalty to Britain, a sense of duty, and the chance for adventure and travel.
Struck by The Perth Mint from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality, the coin is issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965.
No more than 7,500 of The ANZAC Spirit 2014 1oz Silver Declaration of War coin will be released by The Perth Mint.
The coin’s reverse features a group of soldiers marching underneath a representation of Britannia holding her trident, and wearing a Corinthian helmet, symbolic of British liberties and democracy. The inscription, ‘1914 – When the Empire is at War, so is Australia at War’, a red poppy motif and The Perth Mint’s traditional ‘P’ mintmark are also incorporated into the design.
The coin's obverse depicts the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the year-date, the monetary denomination and the coin’s weight and fineness.
Edged lettering features around the coin’s rim with the words, “PRIDE • RESPECT • GRATITUDE •”.
Each coin will be presented in a black and red themed display case featuring the words ‘PRIDE’, ‘RESPECT’, and ‘GRATITUDE’ on the outside of the case, within a themed shipper.
Mint | The Perth Mint |
---|---|
Year | 2018 |
Denomination | $1 |
Metal Type | Silver |
Weight (g) | 28.349 |
Purity (%) | 99.9 |
Diameter (mm) | 40.00 |
Mintage | 10,000 |