Silver Five Ounces 2020 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 fifth design by John M. Mercanti (the series features a new design every year).

The Mint says about it:
"The Perth Mint is delighted to continue its association with one of the world’s foremost coin designers, John M. Mercanti, who has now sculpted five portrayals for the sought-after Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle Series.

With a wingspan in excess of two metres, the Wedge-tailed Eagle is Australia’s largest bird of prey. Easily identified by its long, distinctively shaped tail, the magnificent raptor is seen throughout Australia, from coastal plains to forests and alpine regions. Portraying the Wedge-tailed Eagle swooping towards its prey, the coin’s reverse impression exemplifies the bird’s savage grace. Depicting its plumage in stunning detail, the high relief portrayal is ‘incused’ (or recessed below the coin table) - an interesting variation sure to fascinate collectors."