A tri-metal coin of gold, silver and copper is the centrepiece of commemorative coin sets launched today to mark Australia's participation in the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in July.
It is the first three-metal coin produced by the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra and was designed by the Sydney Olympics medal designer, Wojciech Pietranik, who works at the mint.
Only 5000 of the coins, with a diameter of almost 4cm, are to be minted. Each has a face value of $50 and sells for $435.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, Senator Ian Campbell, who launched the coins, said part of the proceeds from their sale would help fund Australia's team at the Games.
"These are genuine collectors' items - beautifully designed and packaged," he said.
"Our athletes no doubt will successfully represent Australia, not only in terms of medals won but also in the finest traditions of sportsmanship, and this is a tangible way for us to support them."
The second coin in the series is a silver coin inspired by the official Manchester Games logo, which depicts a group of athletes standing over a laurel wreath with arms raised to form a stylised crown. There are 15,000 coins available for $60 each.
The third release is a set of three aluminium bronze coins. The centrepiece coin depicts a kangaroo, as part of the Australian Commonwealth Games Committee logo. The other two coins display a series of human arms holding sporting equipment related to the 17 sports to be contested at the Games. This set sells for $38.50 with a mintage of 20,000.
The coins are available from the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra by calling 1300 652 020 as well as coin dealers nationwide.
CANBERRA
7 May 2002
Contact:
Wayne Grant; Senator Campbell's office
08 9325 4227 or 0407 845 280