Here's a further writeup from the Royal Australian Mint
In the lead-up to Remembrance Day, it is only fitting that Australia's first $2 commemorative circulating coin features the poppy flower, a symbol synonymous with this important day of reflection.
To further honour the sacrifice of all Australians involved in war and armed conflict, the Royal Australian Mint wanted the first ever $2 commemorative coin to count for something more and has also produced a special colour printed version of the $2 coin with a red poppy to be distributed through the national RSL Red Poppy Appeal.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, the Hon Bernie Ripoll MP, acknowledged the significance of this day and the partnership with the Royal Australian Mint and RSL.
"Remembrance Day is a time when Australia stops and remembers the courageous men and women that made sacrifices for their country, and this coin will carry on that message, a special reminder for when people receive this coin in their change," Mr Ripoll said.
"As we know red poppies are sold around the country in the lead-up to Remembrance Day through the RSL Red Poppy Appeal and this year it seemed only fitting that a special version of the $2 coin be a part of that national appeal."
The coloured coin, of which there will be half a million, will be circulated nationally through the RSL Red Poppy Appeal. The non-coloured poppy coin, to be produced in a minimum run of five million, will be distributed through the normal channels via banks and retail outlets over the coming months.
Mr Ripoll said this was an historical moment in Australia's coining history.
"The $2 coin has had the same design on it since it was introduced back in 1988 and the Royal Australian Mint has chosen a simple yet effective design to carry the message of Remembrance Day," Mr Ripoll said.
"This coin highlights the world class innovation and skill of the Royal Australian Mint and the entire team there is to be congratulated for the quality of the finished product."
Both coins feature a poppy design surrounded by the words 'Lest we forget' and 'Remembrance Day' in repetitive micro-lettering.
Royal Australian Mint Chief Executive Officer Mr Ross MacDiarmid said this release is one that the Royal Australian Mint team have been working very hard towards and will not go unnoticed around the world.
"Only one other country, Canada, has released coloured coins into circulation and the fact that we have added micro-lettering into the design showcases our world class innovative capabilities," Mr MacDiarmid said.
A collectible coin product is also available for $12.95 from the Royal Australian Mint. For more information visit
www.ramint.gov.au or the Mint's Facebook page. For information on where to find the coloured coin contact your local RSL sub-branch.
Source: Royal Australian Mint
2012 Remembrance Day $2 commemorative circulating coin
Source: Royal Australian Mint
2012 Remembrance Day $2 commemorative coloured circulating coin
Source: Royal Australian Mint
2012 Remembrance Day $2 'C' mintmark commemorative colour printed coin
Source: Royal Australian Mint
2012 Remembrance Day $2 'C' mintmark commemorative colour printed coin packaging
There are three different coins being released by the Royal Australian Mint:
1. A $2 commemorative circulating coin featuring a poppy to commemorate Remembrance Day and will be distributed through the normal channels i.e. banks.
2. A special version of the $2 commemorative circulating coin featuring a coloured poppy which will be distributed through the RSL Red Poppy Appeal.
3. A collectible $2 commemorative coin with a coloured poppy released through the normal sales channels to mark the historical significance of this coin being the first commemorative design for the $2 circulating coin. It is also a mintmark.
Why are these coins so special?
The design on the $2 circulating coin has never been changed.
This is a historical moment for Australia and a chance to have a keepsake of this significant milestone.
Why has the Royal Australian Mint released a coin for Remembrance Day?
The Mint has in the past released coins to commemorate Remembrance Day as well as those which remember significant moments within Australia's war-time history.
As we were planning to release Australia's first ever commemorative $2 coin, we thought that this theme would be particularly relevant for all Australians, and would help us remember the fallen on 11 November.
The theme is also a great introduction into the ANZAC coin program that the Mint will be introducing which will include a number of themes featuring on both circulating and collectible coins.
Getting the coins
Where can I get these coins?
You will see the non-coloured circulating coin come out in your change over the coming months.
The coloured circulating coin is being circulated by the RSL, who are distributing them through the RSL Poppy Appeal.
The coloured mintmark uncirculated coin is available through the Royal Australian Mint sales channels.
Where can I get a circulating coloured coin?
The RSL are distributing these coins through the RSL Poppy Appeal from Friday 26 October to Sunday 11 November.
It will vary from state to state, for more information regarding where you might be able to find your local RSL servicemen, please contact your state RSL branch.
I'm in Canberra, where can I get a circulating coloured coin?
We have been informed by the ACT RSL that they will be distributing these coins through the RSL Poppy Appeal from Monday 5 to Friday 10 November at major shopping centres around Canberra.
For more information regarding when these coins will be available, please contact your state branch.
The RSL will also be in attendance at the Mint on Sunday 11 November from 11.30 am " 3.30 pm.
Coloured Circulating Coins
Why has the Mint only produced 500,000 coloured coins for circulation as opposed to a minimum of 5 million non-coloured coins also to be released into circulation?
The Royal Australian Mint is further developing its technological and innovative capabilities and has used a new production process.
The Mint wanted to start with an achievable number to ensure the production process went smoothly and quality standards were maintained.
Why was the RSL chosen as the partnering organisation?
The Mint has partnered with the RSL because the poppy is synonymous with the RSL's 'Poppy Appeal', which provides support to Returned and Ex-Servicemen and their families.
The RSL also has a widespread distribution method.
Will the $2 standard circulating coin featuring the Aboriginal elder be replaced by the $2 commemorative Remembrance Day circulating coin?
No, both the $2 standard circulating coin featuring the Aboriginal elder and the $2 commemorative Remembrance Day circulating coin will be released on 2012 dated coins.
Won't the coloured coins get damaged when they are handled as change?
One of the reasons why the micro-text is underneath the image, whilst it also shows our innovative capabilities, was to ensure respect is maintained for not only the theme of Remembrance Day but also Australia's currency.
A coin remains in circulation until it is no longer recognisable as a coin.
The Mint's worn and damaged coin policy is available on the Mint's website and states further information on worn and damaged coins.
Is the paint on the coloured coins toxic?
No, however you should treat the coin as you would any other coin.
Sources:
Royal Australian Mint - Australia's first commemorative $2 coin remembers them
Royal Australian Mint - Frequently Asked Questions - $2 Remembrance Day Poppy Coin
.. will be around November - December but keep your eye peeled out and look for them in UNCIRCULATED condition. THE KEY IS TO FIND THEM IN UNCIRCULATED CONDITION FOR KEEPING
