Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick is legendary for his courageous service. Born in England in 1892, he arrived in Australia in 1910.
When war broke out he enlisted in the AIF as John Simpson, and was drafted into the 3rd Ambulance of the Australian Medical Corps.
Soon after landing at Gallipoli, he rescued a donkey (possibly more than one) to help him carry the wounded.
Simpson worked day and night, whistling as if unconcerned for his own safety, despite the shrapnel and rifle fire. He was killed just three weeks into his service, on 19 May 1915, but his legend has lived on.
Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the uncirculated aluminium bronze coin is housed in a beautifully designed card with a circular window revealing the coin’s reverse and obverse designs.
The reverse of the coin depicts a portrait of Simpson and his donkey. The inscription ‘SIMPSON and his DONKEY’ also appear in the design with The Perth Mint’s traditional ‘P’ mintmark. The Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the 2015 year-date, and the monetary denomination are shown on the coin’s obverse.
The stamp depicts a photograph of Simpson helping a wounded soldier on his donkey.
Affixed to the envelope is an Australia Post 70c stamp. The stamp is postmarked for the first day of issue and the envelope includes Australia Post’s Seal of Authenticity.
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 |