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The Perth Mint has released (2nd March) new large-size, high-relief silver Reverse Proof and one-ounce gold coins which feature a detailed image of the Australian wedge-tailed eagle. The latest design is the eighth release for this popular annual series begun in 2014.
During the breeding season, wedge-tailed eagle pairs perch close to each other and preen one another. They will also perform dramatic aerobatic display flights together over their territory, including impressive loop-the-loop feats.
Exceptionally adept at flight, wedge-tailed eagles are highly aerial, soaring for hours on end without wingbeat and seemingly without effort, regularly reaching 1,800 metres (5,900 feet) high and sometimes considerably higher. However, this purpose of soaring is unknown. Distinctly carnivorous, most prey of the wedge-tailed eagles is captured on the ground in gliding attacks, or, less frequently, in the air. Choice of prey is very much a matter of convenience and opportunity, but since the arrival of Europeans, the introduction of rabbits and brown hares has become the primary items of the eagle’s diet in many areas. Larger native animals such as wallabies, small kangaroos, possums, wombats, koalas, and bandicoots are also prey.
Sculpted for the Perth Mint by renowned U.S. engraver John M. Mercanti, the coin’s high relief design portraying Australia’s wedge-tailed eagle features a new enhanced Reverse Proof quality finish. Together with each coins’ maximum thickness and reduced diameter, the result is an especially deep strike and high relief, emphasising the design and detail. The reverse design depicts a dramatic image of a swooping wedge-tailed eagle with a snake in its talons. The visually appealing style of the Reverse Proof strike and surface treatments represents a new coin genre from the Perth Mint. Also included in the design is the “P” mintmark. Above the primary design is the text 2021 AUSTRALIAN WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE, and below is the coins’ fineness indicating gold or silver and the weight.
The obverse side features the Commonwealth effigy of HM Queen Elizabeth II, created by British engraver Jody Clark and introduced onto Australian coinage in 2019. The denomination of 100 DOLLARS (gold), 8 DOLLARS, or 1 DOLLAR (silver) is shown below the Queen’s portrait.
| Denom. | Metal | Weight | Diameter | Quality | Mintage Limit |
| One dollar | .9999 Silver | 31.1 g | 32.6 mm | Reverse Proof | 5,000 |
| Eight dollars | .9999 Silver | 155.5 g | 50.9 mm | Reverse Proof | 1,000 |
| 100 dollars | .9999 Gold | 31.1 g | 27.6 mm | Reverse Proof | 500 |
Each one and five-ounce silver coin is specially encapsulated and presented in a custom case accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity.
The gold strikes are encased in a polished hardwood case. For additional information, please visit the website of the Perth Mint.
The gold edition is available here.
Collectors and investors in the U.S. can also purchase these products from Asset Marketing.
The Perth Mint indicates a delay in the production of this product. Orders including this product will be dispatched by mid-March.
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