To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and Anzac Day 2020, the Royal Australian Mint has released two limited-edition coins to mark these important occasions.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said while Anzac Day 2020 will be different this year due to the COVID-19 health crisis there are many ways we can thank those who have served and continue to serve Australia in our defence forces.
“Anzac Day has not been cancelled, but it will look different than it normally does this year and while public gatherings on Anzac Day this year have been cancelled, later this year on 15 August we will commemorate 75 years since Victory in the Pacific and the end of the Second World War,” Mr Chester said.
“There are around 14,000 Australian Second World War veterans still with us today and it is my hope that later this year if restrictions permit it that we can commemorate their service and sacrifice across the country at war memorials.
“The coins released by the Royal Australian Mint are an appropriate reminder of the service of the almost one million Australians who served in the Second World War, and the sacrifice of the almost 40,000 who died.”
Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar said the new coins pay tribute to all Australians whose lives were touched by the war.
“This year, Australians will observe Anzac Day without many of its traditional ceremonies, institutions such as the Mint play an important role in remembering our nation’s history,” Minister Sukkar said.
“The coins design reflects the spirit of peace and optimism felt by many at the end of the War and are another, albeit small, reminder of the sacrifice of our ANZACs.”
Designed by Australian artist Tony Dean, the coins are Australian legal tender and can be purchased from the Mint’s website.