2016 Australian Wedge-Tailed Eagle Coin in High Relief

One of nature’s largest bird of prey is featured on the Perth Mint’s 2016 Australian Wedge-Tailed Eagle Silver Proof High Relief Coin. Each is composed of one ounce of 99.9% pure silver.

Seen on the high relief reverse (tails side) is a single Wedge-Tailed Eagle perched on the branch of a tree. The image was designed by former U.S. Mint Chief Engraver John M. Mercanti and follows the successful 2014-2015 Wedge-Tailed Eagle coins which also showcased Mercanti designs.

"John has reprised the design for 2016 with an image of a Wedge-tailed Eagle that has landed and is perching majestically on a branch," offers the Perth Mint. "His notable use of exquisite detailing to portray the bird’s feathers is again evident in this noble representation."

Mercanti served as the 12th Chief Engraver of the United States Mint until his retirement in 2010.

Coin Designs and Specifications

Mercanti’s new eagle design depicts the bird of prey perched on the branch of a tree looking over its left wing. Inscriptions on the reverse include AUSTRALIAN WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE, 2016 and the composition of 1 OZ 999 SILVER.

 

Featured on the obverse (heads side) is the right-facing portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley. Inscriptions around the effigy read ELIZABETH II, AUSTRALIA and the face value of 1 DOLLAR.

Each is struck as legal tender of Australia under the Australian Currency Act of 1965. Specifications of the coin are as follows:

 

Ordering

The 2016 Australian Wedge-Tailed Eagle 1 oz Silver Proof High Relief Coin may be ordered directly from the Perth Mint of Australia. This affiliate link will take you directly to the coin’s produce page.

Pricing of the coin is AUD $99.09. Each ships with a Perth Mint display case, a numbered Certificate of Authenticity and an illustrated shipper.