Aussie War Animals Honored Royal Mint Releases Commemorative Coins

Aussie War Animals Hop into History with New Commemorative Coins

In a touching tribute to the unsung heroes of Australia’s wartime efforts, the Royal Australian Mint has today released a series of commemorative coins honouring the service of animals in wars.

The new coins, which went on sale at 8:30 am, have already sold out, having garnered significant attention from collectors and animal lovers across the globe, with some eager Aussies queuing overnight night to get their paws on these unique pieces of history.

Purple Poppies for Furry and Feathered Diggers

The star of the show is undoubtedly the purple poppy, now for the first time on a $2 coin, a poignant symbol introduced to Australia in 2013 by the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO). This vibrant coin serves as a reminder of the bravery and loyalty shown by our four-legged and feathered companions during times of conflict.

While many Aussies are familiar with the tale of Simpson and his donkey, these coins will shed light on the countless other animal mates who’ve served alongside our diggers, from the trusty horses who trekked through the unforgiving Middle Eastern deserts during World War I to the vigilant military working dogs that continue to play a crucial role in our defence capabilities today, these coins celebrate them all.

A Menagerie of Memories

The new collection doesn’t just focus on the well-known war animals. It also pays homage to the often-overlooked contributions of:

• Messenger pigeons, who carried vital communications through enemy lines
• Camels, who provided transport in harsh desert conditions
• Explosive detection dogs, who saved countless lives in Korea and Vietnam

These animals, much like our beloved kangaroos and koalas, have shown the true spirit of Australian resilience and mateship in the face of adversity.

Collecting a Piece of Aussie History

For those keen to add these special coins to their collection, the Royal Australian Mint has released two versions:

1. The 2024 $2 ‘C’ Mintmark Coloured Uncirculated Coin (100,000 available at $22.50 each)
2. The 2024 $2 ‘C’ Mintmark Coloured Fine Silver Proof Coin (7,500 available at $85.00 each)

Both coins feature the effigy of King Charles III, making them even more significant as some of the first Australian coins to bear the new monarch’s image.

“We’ve seen a decline in circulating coins, but that’s allowed us to focus on creating collectibles that really resonate with the public,” the Mint spokesperson explained to the ABC. “These war animal coins are a perfect example of a product that connects with people on an emotional level.”

More Than Just Currency

While some collectors might be tempted to speculate on the future value of these coins, the Royal Australian Mint encourages people to collect them for their historical significance and the stories they represent.

These coins are a celebration of the unique bond between Aussies and animals, even in the toughest of times, they’re not just bits of metal; they’re a reminder of the loyalty, bravery, and mateship that define our nation.

Australian Animals on Coins A Pocket-Sized Wildlife Sanctuary

Australia’s unique wildlife has long been a source of national pride, and this is beautifully reflected in the country’s coinage. The Royal Australian Mint has been featuring iconic Australian animals on its coins since the introduction of decimal currency in 1966, creating a pocket-sized showcase of the continent’s diverse fauna.

The most recognizable animal on Australian currency is undoubtedly the kangaroo, which has been bounding across the one-dollar coin since 1984. This marsupial icon is often depicted in mid-hop, capturing its distinctive movement. The five-cent coin proudly displays the echidna, a spiny egg-laying mammal that’s as unique as Australia itself. The ten-cent coin features the lyrebird, known for its elaborate tail feathers and impressive ability to mimic sounds. The 20-cent coin showcases the platypus, an egg-laying mammal that seems to defy classification with its duck-like bill and webbed feet. The 50-cent coin, with its distinctive dodecagonal shape, has featured various native animals over the years, including the koala and dingo.

Beyond these circulating coins, the Royal Australian Mint regularly releases commemorative coins featuring a wider array of Australian wildlife. These have included the emu, Tasmanian devil, wombat, and various native birds and marine life. The Mint’s “Lunar Series” also incorporates Chinese zodiac animals with an Australian twist, such as the Year of the Rabbit coin featuring a bilby.

These coins not only serve as legal tender but also as miniature artworks celebrating Australia’s unique biodiversity. They offer both Australians and international collectors a tangible connection to the country’s natural heritage, allowing people to hold a piece of Australia’s wild spirit in the palm of their hand.

As the sun sets on the first day of sales, it’s clear that these commemorative coins have struck a chord with Australians. They serve as a shiny reminder that in times of war, our animal mates have always been there, standing tall (or sitting, in the case of our kangaroos) alongside us, ready to hop into action whenever duty calls.