Silver Ten Ounces 2021 Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle, Coin from Australia - detailed information

The Australian ten ounces silver piece (abbreviated as 10 oz and designated with Ag for "silver") 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 sixth design by John M. Mercanti (the series features a new design every year).

The Mint says about it:
Crafted from 10oz of pure silver, this Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle coin takes our already magnificent series to a new level with its stunning ultra high relief strike.

The subject of master coin engraver John M. Mercanti’s outstanding artistry since 2014, the wedge-tailed eagle is Australia’s largest bird of prey. Observed throughout the mainland and in the island state of Tasmania, it favours lightly wooded country offering ready access to prey including rabbits, hares, lizards and snakes.

Portraying the powerful predator with a snake in its talons, the coin is struck to our latest ultra high relief specification - a technique offering an even greater three-dimensional aspect to the design. As a reverse proof, the polished bird motif stands especially proud of the coin’s delicately frosted, concave-shaped table.