Depicting master engraver John M. Mercanti’s sixth Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle design for The Perth Mint in a brand-new coin classification, this exceptionally detailed 5oz ‘enhanced reverse proof’ silver coin showcases an appreciably raised relief and a range of subtle finish variations.
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 20215oz Silver Enhanced Reverse Proof High Relief 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 1,000 of these coins will be released worldwide.
DESIGN
Sculpted for The Perth Mint by the renowned US engraver, John M. Mercanti, the coin’s high relief reverse depicts a swooping wedge-tailed eagle with a snake in its talons. The bright finishes on these motifs are enhanced with a range of subtle variations. As well as the inscription AUSTRALIAN WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ Mintmark, the reverse also includes the coin’s weight, fineness and its 2021 year-date.
The coin’s obverse depicts the Jody Clark effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the monetary denomination.
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. A variety of surface treatments have been applied to specific elements of the coin’s reverse design to create the impressive enhanced reverse proof finish. The coin’s obverse has been struck in The Perth Mint’s traditional high relief finish.
PRESENTATION
This coin is housed in a classic grey leatherette case within a themed shipper and is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
Technical Specifications
| Year Date | 2021 |
| Silver Content (Troy oz) | 5 |
| Monetary Denomination (AUD) | 8 |
| Fineness (% purity) | 99.99 |
| Minimum Gross Weight (g) | 155.533 |
| Maximum Diameter (mm) | 50.90 |
| Maximum Thickness (mm) | 11.85 |
| Maximum Mintage | 1,000 |
| Designer | John M. Mercanti |
ABOUT THE DESIGNER
This is the sixthwedge-tailed eagle design for The Perth Mint by renowned sculptor and engraver John M. Mercanti, the 12th Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. Mercanti also 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.
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