The Australian two ounces gold piece (abbreviated as 2 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 the first issue in 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: "Australia’s largest bird of prey, the majestic Wedge-tailed Eagle, is immortalised on this stunning 2oz gold proof coin. The Perth Mint commissioned American sculptor and engraver, John M. Mercanti, the twelfth Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, to create the 2014 Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle design." |