Silver Two Ounces 2022 Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle, Coin from Australia - detailed information

The Australian two ounces silver piece (abbreviated as 2 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.

The Mint says about this coin:
Sculpted for The Perth Mint by renowned US engraver, John M. Mercanti, the dramatic close-up portrait of Australia’s largest bird of prey on this spectacular 2oz silver coin is struck in high relief and features our highly appealing enhanced reverse proof finish.

Named for its long, distinctively shaped tail, the Australian wedge-tailed eagle is one of the world’s largest birds of prey. With the ability to fly tirelessly for many hours, it is known to reach altitudes of 2,000 metres and beyond on thermal air currents rising from Australia’s sun-baked terrain. Featuring renowned sculptor John M. Mercanti’s seventh wedge-tailed eagle design, the coin’s dramatic image of the avian predator is struck in high relief on a frosted table. As eagle-eyed collectors will observe, the bright finishes on the bird’s head are enhanced with a range of subtle variations - the result of painstaking surface treatments by our coin craftsmen and women.