The Wedge-tailed Eagle is Australia’s largest bird of prey and one of the biggest eagles in the world. Found throughout mainland Australia, Tasmania and southern New Guinea, the Wedge-tailed Eagle has a wingspan of up to 2.7 metres, and displays a long, wedge-shaped tail and feathered legs.
John M. Mercanti Design
For this design, The Perth Mint commissioned American sculptor and engraver, John M. Mercanti, the 12th Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. John Mercanti created the reverse design of the American Silver Eagle bullion coin and has produced more coin and medal designs than any other employee in the history of the U.S. Mint.
The coin’s reverse depicts an impressive Wedge-tailed Eagle perching on a tree branch. The design also includes the inscription AUSTRALIAN WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE, the 2016 year-date and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark.
The coin’s high relief reverse and obverse are minted on concave surfaces to ensure the optimum flow of metal is achieved by the strike of the die.
Australian Legal Tender
Issued as Australian legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the coin’s obverse depicts the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the monetary denomination.
Limited Mintage
The Perth Mint will issue no more than 500 of the Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle 2016 2oz Gold Proof High Relief Coin.
Prestigious Presentation Packaging and Numbered Certificate
This coin is housed in a wooden Perth Mint presentation case within a themed, customised shipper, and is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.