Silver Five Ounces 2019 Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle, Coin from Australia - detailed information

The Australian five ounces silver piece (abbreviated as 5 oz and designated with Ag for "silver") is a bullion and commemorative 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:
"Named for its long, distinctively shaped tail, the wedge-tailed eagle is Australia’s largest bird of prey and one of the biggest eagles in the world. Celebrated American engraver John M. Mercanti depicts the bird’s impressive wingspan in his latest design for the Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle coin series. Our renowned proof quality standard combined with a flawless high relief strike portrays the visionary design with outstanding clarity.

The coin’s reverse depicts a magnificent wedge-tailed eagle in flight with wings fully extended and stylised rays of sunlight in the background."