THE ICONIC Australian War Memorial’s mosaic from the Hall of Memory will soon circulate in coloured $2 coins unveiled by Defence Minister Marise Payne and Small Business Minister Michael McCormack today.
“Australia’s ANZAC story and legacy commemorates the gallantry and sacrifice of the tens of thousands of Australians who fought and died in the First World War on our country’s behalf,” Senator Payne said.
“The Australian War Memorial, which is the realisation of the vision of WWI correspondent Charles Bean, is the place many Australians come to honour the bravery and sacrifice of our servicemen and women over conflicts across our history.
“I am pleased the Royal Australian Mint has recognised the significance of the mosaic in the Hall of Memory – the heart of the Australian War Memorial and home to the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier.”
Small Business Minister Michael McCormack, who is responsible for the Mint, said the coloured coin is the third ANZAC coloured coin since 2012.
“With ANZAC Day just around the corner, I am delighted to join Minister Payne in unveiling a brand new $2 circulating coin honouring our ANZAC story,” Mr McCormack said.
“Through its fifth coloured coin – including three ANZAC coloured coins – the Mint continues to play its role in honouring Australia’s service personnel over generations.
“Our currency is part of everyday life in Australia. With more than four million coins in circulation, Australians will continue to have a subtle and appropriate reminder of our ANZAC history through this mintage for many years to come.
“For those Australians who wish to keep this coin, a pack of five coins or a $15 collectible version of this coin is available for purchase on the Mint’s website.”
Further information is on the Royal Australian Mint’s website.