Two Dollars 2017 Lest We Forget (Coloured), Coin from Australia - detailed information

The Australian two dollar coin denomination (written as $2) was introduced in 1988 to replace a banknote of the same value. Its original ("definitive") design depicts an Aboriginal Elder and is issued every year. The Royal Australian Mint also uses the denomination to issue a large variety of circulating commemorative coins with the same size and composition - such as this one.

This coloured two dollar coin marks ANZAC DAY - commemorating Australia's participation in World War I, and is a tribute to all who have served Australia in times of conflict.

At the centre of the Australian War Memorial lies the Hall of Memory. A quiet, poignant tribute to those who have given their lives during times of conflict, this touching monument is home to the Tomb of The Unknown Australian Soldier, and can only be reached by passing the names of the more than 102,000 who have made the ultimate sacrifice for Australia. A focal point of the Hall is its domed ceiling - depicted on the reverse of the coin - adorned with an intricate mosaic design rich with symbolism, from the wreath of wattle to indicate the fallen, to the continuous, golden chain around its edge, representing the seamless journey from earthly life to a spiritual domain. Many of these motifs and sentiments are echoed in the coin's reverse design, which also incorporates the dome's hues of blue, green and yellow.

The mosaic was created by artist Napier Waller who lost an arm serving in the First World War. Comprising of more than six million tesserae tiles, Waller's work is one of the largest in the world.

Coins issued in 2017 have now been in circulation for eight years.