Colourful new $2 coin is released commemorating Indigenous Australians who have served in the military from Gallipoli to Kokoda and Vietnam
- New $2 commemorating Indigenous Australians serving in the military revealed
- Exclusive design rich in Indigenous symbols unveiled in Canberra on Tuesday
- Royal Australian Mint said coin was inspired by artwork of artist Chern’ee Sutton
A new $2 coin has been released to commemorate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have served in the military.
The new design was unveiled in Canberra on Tuesday by Aboriginal artist and Kalkadoon woman Chern’ee Sutton and Royal Australian Mint CEO Leigh Gordon.
The coin will be released in the coming weeks featuring a black hand-print in the centre surrounded by three rows of dots in the colours of the Defence Forces Tri-Service Flag.
The Mint launched Australia’s newest circulating coin commemorating the Indigenous men and women who have served in the military (pictured)
The artwork of Aboriginal artist and Kalkadoon woman Chern’ee Sutton (pictured) inspired the design of the new $2 coin
A snake with military and Indigenous symbols including boomerangs, poppy flowers and rosemary, encircle the design with the words ‘Indigenous Military Service’ engraved at the top.
Mr Gordon said the coin acknowledges and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s longstanding tradition of serving in the military.
‘Having served in every conflict and commitment involving Australian defence contingents, since Federation, including but not limited to, Gallipoli, Kokoda and Vietnam,’ he said.
‘The strength of Indigenous Service has been a constant throughout Australian history.’
The commemorative coin was inspired by the artwork of Chern’ee Sutton, who praised Indigenous personnel that have and continue to defend Australia.
‘I am honoured to have designed this significant artwork that recognises my brothers and sisters who have bravely fought in every conflict Australia has been involved in, it is a timely tribute to their sacrifices made for all of us.’
A limited edition uncirculated version of the coin is available to purchase from the Royal Australian Mint from 8am on April 1, 2021.
The coin celebrates Indigenous Australians longstanding tradition of serving in the military (pictured: Aboriginal serviceman Seargant Reg Saunders (third from left, front row), waiting for a troop train in Queensland, 1943)
A limited edition uncirculated version is available to purchase from the Royal Australian Mint from 8am on April 1, 2021 (pictured)
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