Volume Discount Pricing Product SKU 12117
Quantity	Credit Card	Crypto	Cash/EFT
1 +	AUD $18.41	AUD $18.28	AUD $17.50

2026 20c 1941 Service Amid Strife North Africa & Middle East Coin

Launched in December 1940, the Allied assault on Italian positions in Libya was the first major ground offensive for Australian troops in the Second World War. In early 1941, Allied forces including soldiers from the Second Australian Imperial Force captured the coastal cities of Bardia, Tobruk and Benghazi. Ships of the Royal Australian Navy provided naval gunfire support, bombarding targets ashore. However, German reinforcements recaptured most of what the Italians had lost, except for the fortress of Tobruk and its valuable harbour. Australian and other Allied forces were besieged there from April to October in a tenacious and successful defence of the city.

To prevent occupation by Nazi Germany, Allied forces staged an invasion of Lebanon in June 1941. Lebanon had come under fascist Vichy French control following the fall of France in June 1940. Australian troops did much of the fighting of this campaign, and the region was occupied by Allied forces by the middle of July.

The principal significance of the 1941 campaigns was the successful denial of the Middle East to Germany and Italy. Aside from maintaining Allied access to the region’s valuable oil reserves, this also meant that the Axis occupation of Europe’s southern flank remained insecure.

This 2026 20c Coloured Uncirculated Coin commemorates these eventful campaigns of 1941.

Struck by the Royal Australian Mint from CuNi, these 20c coins are issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965 and have a mintage of 40,000.

DESIGN

The reverse of the coin features a design by Mint coin designer Aaron Baggio, commemorating the 1941 campaigns in North Africa and the Middle East as well as the monetary denomatinion. The colour print represents the Africa Star, awarded for service in North Africa (1940-1943) and Syria (1941). Also includes the inscriptions “1941”, “NORTH AFRICA” and “MIDDLE EAST”.

The coin’s obverse depicts the Dan Thorne effigy of His Majesty King Charles III and the 2026 year-date.

PRESENTATION

Each coin is presented encapsulated in a yellow presentation card, featuring images of Australian personnel marching.

Technical Specifications

Year Date	2026
Denomination (AUD)	0.20
Metal Content	CuNi
Mass (g)	11.30
Diameter (mm)	28.52
Finish	Uncirculated
Maximum Mintage	40,000
Reverse / Obverse Designer	A. Baggio / D. Thorne
Packaging	Coin in presentation card

ABOUT ROYAL AUSTRALIAN MINT

The Royal Australian Mint, established in 1965 through the Royal Australian Mint Act, is the sole producer of Australia's circulating coins. Located in Canberra, it was officially opened on February 22, 1965, by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

Its primary purpose is to produce legal tender coins for circulation, commemorative coins, and other numismatic products, ensuring a stable supply of high-quality coins. The Mint has embraced modern minting technologies, investing in state-of-the-art equipment and techniques.

Known for its innovative designs, the Mint's coins often feature iconic Australian symbols, historical events, and cultural motifs, celebrating the nation's diverse heritage and natural beauty. It issues commemorative coins to mark significant events, anniversaries, and milestones, highly sought after by collectors.

Internationally recognized for excellence in coin production and design, the Mint has won numerous awards and collaborates with mints worldwide. It engages the public through tours, educational programs, exhibitions, and events, promoting numismatic awareness and showcasing its heritage.

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