The Wedge-tailed Eagle is Australia’s largest bird of prey and one of the biggest eagles in the world. Found throughout mainland Australia, Tasmania and southern New Guinea, the Wedge-tailed Eagle has a wingspan of up to 2.7 metres, and displays a long, wedge-shaped tail and feathered legs.
This will be the first time the Wedge-tailed Eagle design has been released at this size.
Struck by The Perth Mint from 99.99% pure gold, the coin is issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965. The coin has an unlimited mintage.
The coin’s reverse depicts an impressive Wedge-tailed Eagle in mid-flight as it prepares to land on a tree branch. The design includes the inscription WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE, The Perth Mint’s traditional ‘P’ mintmark, and the coin specifications. The Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the monetary denomination, and the 2015 year-date appear on the coin’s obverse.
For this design, The Perth Mint commissioned American sculptor and engraver, John M. Mercanti, the 12th chief engraver of the U.S. Mint. John Mercanti created the reverse design of the American Silver Eagle bullion coin and has produced more coin and medal designs than any other employee in the history of the U.S. Mint.
The 2015 Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle 0.5g Gold Coin is housed in a protective acrylic capsule and presented in a colourful wallet-sized card.
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 |