Specially released collectible coins from the Royal Australian Mint will be used in the coin tosses at the Australian Open men's and women's finals this weekend.
The coins used to begin the matches will be auctioned by Tennis Australia on eBay, with the proceeds going to the Australian Tennis Foundation.
Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Sport Mark Arbib said it was good to see the Mint producing coins highlighting important moments in Australian sport.
"These coins are a fitting way to commemorate the 100th Men's Championship at the Australian Open," Senator Arbib said.
"The coins feature the men's and women's trophies respectively.
"Members of the public wishing to get their hands on the coins tossed in the Men's and Women's Final will need to be quick, as the Tennis Australia eBay coin auction ends on Tuesday 31 January 2012."
Senator Arbib said while the Mint was well-known for making Australia's coins, they were also very skilled at producing medals, medallions and tokens for organisations all around the country.
"The unique 100th Men's Championship medal was designed by one of the Mint's most illustrious coin designers, Wojciech Pietranik, who is most famous in the sporting arena for designing the Sydney 2000 Olympic medals," Senator Arbib said.
The official Australian Open collectible coin program includes two $1 uncirculated aluminium bronze coins, one featuring the women's trophy and the other the men's trophy (retails at $15), a $5 uncirculated aluminium bronze coin (retails at $25) and a $2 selectively gold plated proof coin (retails at $95) both featuring a replica of the 100th Men's Championship medal.
Tennis fans wishing to buy a piece of Australian Open memorabilia can do so through the Australian Open Shop in Garden Square, contacting the Royal Australian Mint Call Centre on 1300 652 020 or visiting www.ramint.gov.au