Image: Royal Australian Mint
Australia’s newest coin is available to the public today.
The rare $5 coin, usually reserved for commemorative occasions, is larger than the 50-cent coin and celebrates the nation’s natural wonders, built icons, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage.
Designed by the Royal Australian Mint coin designer Tony Dean, the uncirculated coin features all 20 of UNESCO’s World Heritage Properties including the Sydney Opera House, Great Barrier Reef, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and K’gari.
The Mint partnered with the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) to produce this coin in recognition of the 21st General Assembly and Scientific Symposium being held in Australia for the first time this week.
ICOMOS President Teresa Patrício says ICOMOS has an important role as an Advisory Body to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.
“Properties are inscribed on the World Heritage List only after a rigorous evaluation which ensures that they have Outstanding Universal Value for all humanity.”
Prof Richard Mackay, the Convenor of the ICOMOS General Assembly, and former Chair of Australia’s World Heritage Advisory Committee, welcomed the new coin’s role in creating community awareness.
“This amazing coin highlights the diversity of Australia’s internationally-significant heritage and will encourage awareness of our unique biodiversity, deep Indigenous connections with Country and extraordinary cultural places.
The collector’s coin was launched at the Hyde Park Barracks, which is one of the World Heritage Australian Convict Sites featured on the coin.
Royal Australian Mint CEO Dr Leigh Gordon has told NIRS News it’s important to recognise the significance of Australia’s cultural and natural wonders.
The coin also features The Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Obverse, designed by renowned British engraver, Jody Clark.
The $5 coin can be purchased through the Mint’s coin shop, call centre and authorised dealers from today (September 7, 2023). It will also be available for purchase from gift shops at world heritage properties that are featured on the coin.
