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 seventh 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 Australian wedge-tailed eagle has a wingspan of more than 2.5 metres. With the ability to fly tirelessly for many hours, it’s known to soar at altitudes of 2,000 metres and beyond on thermal air currents rising from Australia’s sun-baked terrain.
Designed by highly acclaimed US coin sculptor John M. Mercanti, this Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle coin is struck from 10oz of 99.99% pure silver with a remarkable incused design. Traditionally, coins are struck with raised relief. Unusually, this coin features the image of a wedge-tailed eagle with outstretched wings that is pressed into the coin’s surface. |