The Australian War Memorial’s iconic eternal flame will now circulate in coloured $2 coins released by the Royal Australian Mint ahead of Anzac Day.
Produced in partnership with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Australian War Memorial, the Lest We Forget – Eternal Flame coin continues the Mint’s tradition of releasing $2 coins into circulation as part of the Anzac Centenary Coin Program.
The Hon Michael Sukkar MP, Assistant Minister to the Treasurer, said the Lest We Forget – Eternal Flame coin is a tangible tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
“The striking design of the Lest We Forget – Eternal Flame coin is inspired by the eternal flame at the Australian War Memorial and captures aspects of the Anzac spirit in permanent form,” Mr Sukkar said.
“Currency is part of everyday life in Australia and the release of this circulating coin will be an appropriate reminder of our Anzac history for years to come.”
Ross MacDiarmid, CEO of the Mint, said the Lest We Forget – Eternal Flame coin symbolises remembrance and sacrifice.
“Like other cultural institutions, the Mint is responsible for sharing stories of Australia’s past. We have a long tradition of commemorating Australia’s military history through coin and are proud to be introducing 5,555,550 of the Lest We Forget – Eternal Flame coins into circulation.”
Dr Brendan Nelson, Director of the Australian War Memorial said, “The Eternal Flame at the Australian War Memorial symbolises our nation's perpetual gratitude towards, and remembrance of, those 102,800 men and women who gave their lives for us and our freedoms in war and operations for more than a century. We are proud to support the Royal Australian Mint in releasing the Lest We Forget – Eternal Flame $2 coin into circulation.”
In addition to the circulating coin, the Mint is commemorating the Centenary of Anzac with collectable coins recognising the Armistice Centenary and an uncirculated version of the Lest We Forget – Eternal Flame $2 Coin.
The Lest We Forget – Eternal Flame coin will be released into circulation throughout April. The collectable coins are available now from the Royal Australian Mint.