Gold Five Ounces 2015 Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle, Coin from Australia - detailed information

The Australian five ounces gold piece (abbreviated as 5 oz and designated with Au for "gold") is a bullion coin format. Uniquely, in Australia there are two mints authorised to strike legal tender: the Royal Australian Mint (which also makes the country's circulating coinage) and the Perth Mint which only makes collector and bullion coins, as well as other bullion products.

Both mints endeavour to create coins with attractive designs, and to introduce new designs and themes often, in order to raise the numismatic value of the coins over the value of previous metal used.

This coin is part of the Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle series by the Perth Mint, and the first design by John M. Mercanti (issued in 2014 and 2015 only).

The Mint says about it:
"This majestic bird is known to soar through the sky for hours on end, frequently reaching altitudes of up to 2,000 metres. In the heat of the day, the eagle makes use of hot thermal air currents that drift up from the ground to reach these dizzying heights, whilst expending little energy. The coin’s reverse depicts an impressive Wedge-tailed Eagle in mid-flight as it prepares to land on a tree branch.

Each coin is struck from 5oz of 99.99% pure gold in proof quality. For this design, The Perth Mint commissioned American sculptor and engraver, John M. Mercanti, the 12th Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. John Mercanti created the reverse design of the American Silver Eagle bullion coin and has produced more coin and medal designs than any other employee in the history of the U.S. Mint."