Gold Ounce 2016 Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle, Coin from Australia - detailed information

The Australian one-ounce gold piece (abbreviated as 1 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 second design by John M. Mercanti (issued in 2016 and 2017 only).

The Mint says about it:
"Featuring the 2016 Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle design by American sculptor and engraver, John M. Mercanti, this 1oz gold coin is struck in brilliant high relief.

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. The coin’s reverse depicts an impressive Wedge-tailed Eagle perching on a tree branch."