2024 Wedge Tailed Eagle 10th Anniversary 2oz Coloured 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. With an impressive wingspan of up to 2.5 meters, it can also be recognised from its long, powerful legs which are feathered all the way to its feet.

Wedge-tailed eagles can be observed across mainland Australia and Tasmania in a variety of habitats from coastal to alpine regions. The birds favour lightly wooded country offering favourable nesting sites from which they have a clear view of their territory and ready access to prey including mammals such as rabbits and hares, as well as lizards, snakes and other birds. With the ability to fly tirelessly for many hours, the majestic wedge-tailed eagle frequently reaches altitudes of 2,000 meters and beyond on thermal air currents rising from Australia’s sunbaked terrain.

The Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle 10th Anniversary 2024 2oz Silver Coloured Coin is struck by The Perth Mint from 99.99% pure silver and issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965.

No more than 2,500 of these coins will be released worldwide.

DESIGN

This is the ninth wedge-tailed eagle design for The Perth Mint by renowned American sculptor and engraver, John M. Mercanti. The coin’s design portrays a coloured representation of a wedge-tailed eagle soaring. The raptor appears on a background featuring geometrically arranged elements that suggest a sunburst. As well as the inscriptions ‘AUSTRALIAN WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE’ and ‘10TH ANNIVERSARY’, the reverse includes a ‘P125’ mintmark signifying The Perth Mint’s 125th anniversary in 2024. Also included is the coin’s weight, purity, and year-date.

The obverse depicts the Dan Thorne effigy of His Majesty King Charles III, and the monetary denomination. Incorporated in the design is a privy mark representation of John M. Mercanti’s original design for the Wedge-tailed Eagle Series, first issued in 2014.

PRESENTATION

The coin is housed on an illustrated collector card with a fold-out leg for upright display.

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.