The Royal Australian Mint has issued the 2017 Lest We Forget circulating commemorative $2 coin in remembrance of Anzac Day.
Australia 2017 Lest We Forget $2 Coin Reverse
Every year Australia and New Zealand commemorates Anzac Day, held on the 25th of April each year. The day is marked as a day of remembrance for all those who “who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations" and "the contribution and suffering of all those who have served".
Dome of the Hall of Memory of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra
It was originally held as commemoration of the Australian New Zealand Army Coprs, or ANZAC for short, who served in the first world war. Specifically during the Gallipoli campaign against the Ottoman Empire. The first memorials were held in 1923, with solemn "Dawn Marches". The meaning of the day has since been broadened to include all Australians and New Zealanders who have served.
Australia 2017 Lest We Forget $2 Coin Obverse
The new circulating commemorative coin features a partially colourized reverse design which echoes the dome of the Hall of Memory at the Australian War Memorial, in Canberra. The words “LEST WE FORGET” and “TWO DOLLARS” appear along the top and bottom rim, respectively.
Australia 2017 Lest We Forget $2 Coin Reverse with "C" Mintmark
In addition to the coin which will be entering circulation, there is also a special collector's version bearing the “C” mintmark to the left of the reverse design. This coin is minted to an uncirculated finish and sold on a printed folder. The coin, specifically produced at the Canberra Mint, has a total mintage of 40 000 and is being sold by the Royal Australian Mint for AU$15.00(US$12.00) each.
The reverse design is occupied by the usual Ian Rank-Broadley designed effigy of HM Queen Elizabeth II. Along with the inscription that reads : “ELIZABETH II”, “AUSTRALIA” and “2017”.
Australia 2017 Lest We Forget $2 Coin in Folder
Minted from aluminium-bronze the coin measures 20.5mm(0.807 inch) in diameter with a weight of 6.6gram(0.23 oz).
