Gold Ounce 2018 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 third design by John M. Mercanti (the series features a new design every year).

The Mint says about it:
"The highly renowned former chief engraver of the U.S. Mint John M. Mercanti explores the relationships between a chick and its parents in his latest design for The Perth Mint’s Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle coin series. At the centre of this beautifully composed design, a female wedge-tailed eagle with meticulously observed plumage is seen stooping towards her offspring with maternal concern. Her airborne mate, with his powerful wings fully extended, shows off the distinctive wedge-shaped tail from which the species takes its name.

The depth and detail of the design has been enhanced by its high relief finish. The Perth Mint’s proof quality high relief strike is renowned throughout the world for its superb clarity and the additional detail it portrays."