2 Dollars - Elizabeth II 6th Portrait - Lest We Forget - Indigenous Military Service

Reverse

An inner circle featuring a black hand-print in the centre, surrounded by three rows of dots in the colours of the Defence Forces Tri-Service Flag. This is surrounded in an outer circle by Aboriginal & Military artifacts.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
INDIGENOUS MILITARY SERVICE
C

Designer: Chern’ee Sutton

Edge

Smooth with 4 short reeded segments (5 grooves each)

Comment

The RAM has released this Aluminium-bronze $2 coloured coin into circulation commemorating the Indigenous men and women who have served in the Australian military forces. The coin was unveiled by Aboriginal artist and Kalkadoon woman Chern’ee Sutton and Royal Australian Mint CEO, Leigh Gordon. Speaking at the launch, Leigh Gordon noted the importance of recognising Indigenous Australians who have served in the military on a coin. “With this coin, the Royal Australian Mint acknowledges and celebrates Indigenous Australia’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, the strength of Indigenous Service has been a constant throughout Australian history.”

Inspired by the artwork of Chern’ee Sutton, the design of the coin is rich with Indigenous and military symbols that represent the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have served in the Australian Defence Force.

An uncirculated "C" Mintmarked version has also been released in a coincard.