Gold Ounce 2019 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 fourth design by John M. Mercanti (the series features a new design every year).

The Mint says about it:
"The highly renowned former chief of the US Mint John M. Mercanti captures Australia’s largest bird of prey in flight in his latest design for The Perth Mint’s Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle Coin Program. One of the biggest raptors in the world, the wedge-tailed eagle is recognisable for its long, distinctively shaped tail and impressive wingspan of up to 2.3 metres. Able to glide tirelessly for hours on end, the magnificent bird frequently reaches altitudes of more than 2,000 metres and has been recorded flying as high as 6,800 metres above the ground.

At the centre of this beautifully composed design an impressive wedge-tailed eagle soars with wings fully extended. Stylised rays of sunlight are depicted in the background. 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 notable for its superb clarity and the additional detail it portrays."