2026 Wave Hill Walk Off & Aboriginal Land Rights Annniversaries Silver Proof Coin
2026 marks two major anniversaries for Indigenous Australia with 60 years since the Wave Hill Walk-Off and 50 years since the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1976. The Royal Australian Mint commemorates these iconic milestones with this 2026 50c Uncirculated Coin.
The Wave Hill Walk-Off began in 1966 when the Gurindji people, led by Vincent Lingiari, left the Wave Hill cattle station in the Northern Territory to protest poor wages and conditions. What started as a labour dispute soon grew into a powerful call for land rights, as the Gurindji asserted their enduring connection to the country. Their determination captured national attention and reshaped Australia’s understanding of justice and equality.
In 1975, Prime Minister Gough Whitlam symbolically returned Gurindji land at Wattie Creek, pouring soil into Lingiari’s hand in a moment that became an enduring image of reconciliation. This historic “hand back” helped pave the way for the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1976 – the first legislation to recognise Aboriginal land ownership.
Together, these milestones reflect the courage, unity and leadership of the Gurindji people, whose legacy continues to inspire Australia’s journey toward respect and reconciliation.
Each coin is struck by the Royal Australian Mint from 18.24g of 99.9% pure silver and is issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965.
The Royal Australian Mint will release no more than 6,500 of the 2026 50c Wave Hill Walk Off 60th & Aboriginal Land Rights 50th Anniversaries Silver Proof Coin.
DESIGN
The reverse of the coin features a design created in collaboration with the Gurindji people showing a stylised representation of the Wave Hill Walk-Off, an artistic representation of the iconic ‘hand over’ between Gough Whitlam and Vincent Lingiari, and micro text of Lingiari quotes. Also includes the inscriptions “GURINDJI WAVE HILL WALK OFF 1966” and “BIRTHPLACE OF ABORIGINAL LAND RIGHTS ACT 1976”.
The coin’s obverse depicts the Dan Thorne effigy of His Majesty King Charles III, monetary denomination and the 2026 year-date.
PRESENTATION
Each coin is presented in a protective capsule displayed inside of a presentation case accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity. The outer box features the imagery of Gough Whitlam and Vincent Lingiari.
Technical Specifications
| Year Date | 2026 |
| Silver Content (g) | 18.24 |
| Monetary Denomination (AUD) | 0.50 |
| Fineness (% purity) | 99.9 |
| Diameter (mm) | 31.51 |
| Finish | Proof |
| Maximum Mintage | 6,500 |
| Obverse Designer | D. Thorne |
| Reverse Designer | E. Waterford |
| Packaging | Capsuled coin in presentation case |
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