‘Red Poppy’ Remembrance Day Coin
26 October 2012 at 10:23 am
A new commemorative Australian $2 coin is to be released in time for Remembrance Day in a collaboration between the Australian Mint and the RSL.
Said to be an Australian first, the new coin features a poppy flower – the symbol synonymous with Australia’s day of reflection.
Some half a million coloured coins featuring a red poppy will be circulated nationally through the RSL Red Poppy Appeal while at least five million non-coloured poppy coins will be distributed through banks and retail outlets over the coming months.
Both coins feature a poppy design surrounded by the words 'Lest we forget' and 'Remembrance Day' in repetitive micro-lettering.
Royal Australian Mint Chief Executive Ross MacDiarmid said that the release will not go unnoticed around the world.
"Only one other country, Canada, has released coloured coins into circulation and the fact that we have added micro-lettering into the design showcases our world class innovative capabilities," MacDiarmid said.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, Bernie Ripoll, said the release of the coin was an historical moment in Australia's coining history.
“Remembrance Day is a time when Australia stops and remembers the courageous men and women that made sacrifices for their country, and this coin will carry on that message, a special reminder for when people receive this coin in their change," Ripoll said.
"As we know red poppies are sold around the country in the lead-up to Remembrance Day through the RSL Red Poppy Appeal and this year it seemed only fitting that a special version of the $2 coin be a part of that national appeal."
Ripoll said that the $2 coin has had the same design on it since it was introduced back in 1988 and the Royal Australian Mint has chosen a simple yet effective design to carry the message of Remembrance Day.
A collectible coin product is also available for $12.95 from the Royal Australian Mint.
