Silver Ounce 2018 Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle, High Relief, Coin from Australia - detailed information

The Australian one ounce silver piece (abbreviated as 1 oz and designated with Ag for "silver") is a bullion coin format. Uniquely, in Australia there are two mints independently 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.

The Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle series has been issued by the Perth Mint since 2014, in various precious metal formats, including one ounce of silver.

The wedge-tailed eagle is Australia’s largest bird of prey. Observed throughout mainland Australia and the island state of Tasmania, it favours lightly wooded country offering ready access to prey including rabbits, hares, lizards, snakes and other birds. The series features a new depiction of the eagle every year, created by renowned US engraver, John M. Mercanti, who was the twelfth Chief Engraver of the United States Mint until his retirement in late 2010.

The overall weight of the coin is slightly more than an ounce, so that the pure silver content is exactly 1.000 ASW (troy ounce Absolute Silver Weight).

The Mint says about the coin:
"In his latest design for The Perth Mint’s Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle coin series, renowned engraver John M. Mercanti explores the relationships between a chick and its parents. The coin is struck from 1oz of 99.99% pure silver. The beautifully composed new portrayal features meticulously observed plumage, including the wedge-tailed eagle’s characteristic tail and magnificent wingspan, all depicted in splendid high relief. The former Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint John M. Mercanti captures the intimate bond between mother and eaglet while a protective male hovers in the sky overhead. Seen stooping towards her offspring in a stance that conveys natural concern, the female wedge-tailed eagle makes a wonderful centrepiece to the design with meticulously observed plumage. 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."