ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher and Member for Canberra Gai Brodtmann, representing the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, Bernie Ripoll, today unveiled the design for the new commemorative Centenary of Canberra circulating coin, which will soon appear in pockets, wallets and purses across Australia.
The 20 cent coin shows the original blueprint for Canberra, as designed by Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin, which has shaped the development of the city into the capital it is today.
The coin was designed and produced by the Royal Australian Mint, and will be used in the coin toss for the Prime Minister's XI cricket match on 29 January 2013.
"The story of Canberra is the story of our nation, and this coin will be a tangible way of explaining this history to future Australians," Mr Ripoll said.
Ms Brodtmann said that in the 100 years since Lady Denman laid Canberra's foundation stone, the nation's capital has evolved and this new coin recognises Canberra's development on a national stage.
"Canberra has a great story to tell and this is a fantastic way to mark our city's coming of age."
"Centenary of Canberra celebrations are already underway in the nation's capital, and this coin will help highlight this auspicious milestone throughout Australia," Ms Brodtmann said.
Chief Minister Katy Gallagher encouraged Canberrans to come and see the coin for themselves at the annual Prime Minister's XI match, which will commence at 2:20pm tomorrow at Manuka Oval.
The Prime Minister's XI will play the West Indies in what will be the first official match played under the new lights at Manuka.
"What better way to begin this historic and much-anticipated event than with Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahoney Griffin's visionary plans on an Australian coin," the Chief Minister said.
"This is a great example of our city's past and future coming together.
"Those familiar with Canberra will immediately recognise the familiar streetscapes and landmarks, which is amazing considering the blueprint was created a century ago.
"I hope this coin will encourage Australians to visit Canberra during our 100th birthday celebrations, and I know that it will help spread the Centenary story around the nation."
The Royal Australian Mint is responsible for producing all of Australia's circulating coins.
This design was developed by Royal Australian Mint coin designer Aleksandra Stokic, in collaboration with the Centenary of Canberra team, and is expected to be seen in circulation within the coming months. However, the Mint will be holding a coin swap at the PM's XI match and the One Day International on 6 February 2013 for those who would like to be one of the first to get their hands on the new coin.
A separate silver $5 collectible coin featuring the Canberra skyline will be available for pre-order tomorrow through the Royal Australian Mint Call Centre on 1300 652 020.
28 January 2013