Gold Half Gram 2015 Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle, Coin from Australia - detailed information

The Australian gold half gram coin is a mini-coin format occasionally used to complement issues in larger sizes. 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 have long-running bullion series of coins with different themes. As part of these, they sometimes issue a mini-version of the theme's annual design.

This mini-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:
"The Wedge-tailed Eagle is Australia’s largest bird of prey and one of the biggest eagles in the world. Found throughout mainland Australia, Tasmania and southern New Guinea, the Wedge-tailed Eagle has a wingspan of up to 2.7 metres, and displays a long, wedge-shaped tail and feathered legs.

This is the first time the Wedge-tailed Eagle design has been released at this size. Extremely affordable, this cute coin will make a beautiful gift or collectable.

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."

Due to its size, the Mini Eagle has a simplified design compared to the rest of the series - there is no inscription saying " Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle" on the reverse, the branch on which the eagle is going to land is not shown, and the date is transferred to the obverse.