2020 Australian Wedge-Tailed Eagle 1oz Silver Coin

Named for its long, distinctively shaped tail, 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 Papua New Guinea, the bird has an impressive wingspan of up to 2.7 metres.

The Australian Wedge-Tailed Eagle 2020 1oz Silver Bullion Coin is struck by The Perth Mint from 99.99% pure silver and issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965.

This coin has a mintage of 50,000.

DESIGN

The coin’s reverse depicts a magnificent wedge-tailed eagle swooping on its prey in the midst of a hunt.

The design also includes the inscription ‘AUSTRALIAN WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE’, the 2020 year-date, the coin’s weight and fineness, and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark.

The coin’s obverse depicts the Jody Clark effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the monetary denomination.

Each coin’s reverse includes a security feature in the form of a micro-laser engraved letter within the coin’s ‘AUSTRALIAN WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE’ inscription. It is only detectable under a magnifying glass.

PRESENTATION

The Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle 2020 1oz Silver Bullion Coin is presented in an acrylic capsule.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

For this design, The Perth Mint commissioned American sculptor and engraver, John M. Mercanti, the 12th Chief Engraver of the US 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 US Mint.

Technical Specifications

ABOUT THE PERTH MINT

The Perth Mint, located in Perth, Western Australia, is one of the oldest and most prestigious mints in the world, with a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. It was established in 1899 as a branch of Britain's Royal Mint in response to the discovery of rich gold deposits in Western Australia. Its primary purpose was to refine gold mined in the region and to mint gold sovereigns and half sovereigns for use throughout the British Empire.

The Perth Mint played a crucial role in the development of Western Australia's gold industry, providing a local facility for gold refining and coin production that significantly contributed to the economic growth of the region. Over the years, it has evolved to become a leader in the precious metals industry, offering a wide range of services including gold and silver bullion bars and coins, precious metal refining, and jewellry.

After Australia gained independence, the Perth Mint continued its operations and, in 1970, it became wholly owned by the Government of Western Australia. Since then, it has expanded its offerings to include commemorative coins, investment products, and a wealth of services for precious metals storage, management, and distribution.

Notably, The Perth Mint has set several world records, including producing the world's largest gold coin in 2011, weighing one tonne and featuring a kangaroo design. It also operates one of the largest LBMA (London Bullion Market Association) accredited gold refineries in the world.

The mint is also a significant tourist attraction, offering visitors insights into Australia's gold mining history, the chance to view Australia’s largest collection of natural gold nuggets, and live demonstrations of traditional gold pouring.

Swan Bullion Company is proud to be an authorised distributor for both The Perth Mint bullion and numismatic products.