2026 Wave Hill Walkoff & Aboriginal Land Rights Annniversaries Coin

Name: 2026 Wave Hill Walkoff & Aboriginal Land Rights Annniversaries Coin
Brand: Royal Australian Mint
SKU: 12053
Price: 17.50 AUD
Availability: InStock

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.

Struck by the Royal Australian Mint from CuNi, these 50c coins are issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965 and have a mintage of 60,000.

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 encapsulated in a presentation card, which features the imagery of Gough Whitlam and Vincent Lingiari.

Technical Specifications

Year Date	2026
Denomination (AUD)	0.50
Metal Content	CuNi
Mass (g)	15.55
Diameter (mm)	31.51
Finish	Uncirculated
Maximum Mintage	60,000
Reverse / Obverse Designer	E. Waterford / 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.