2023 Wedge-Tailed Eagle 10oz Silver Incused Proof Coin
This majestic Wedge-tailed Eagle silver coin, featuring artistry prepared exclusively for The Perth Mint by renowned US designer John M. Mercanti, showcases an incused reverse design. Named for its long, distinctively shaped tail, the wedge-tailed eagle is Australia’s largest bird of prey and one of the biggest eagles in the world. With an impressive wingspan of up to 2.5 metres, it can also be recognised from its long, powerful legs which are feathered all the way to its feet.
Wedge-tailed eagles can be observed across mainland Australia and Tasmania in a variety of habitats from coastal to alpine regions. The birds favour lightly wooded country offering favourable nesting sites from which they have a clear view of their territory and ready access to prey including reptiles and small mammals.
The Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle 2023 10oz Silver Incused Coin is struck by The Perth Mint from 99.99% pure silver and issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965. No more than 500 of these coins will be released worldwide.
DESIGN
The coin’s reverse portrays an incused representation of a wedge-tailed eagle with outstretched wings standing on a branch. As well as the inscription AUSTRALIAN WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark, the reverse also includes the coin’s weight, fineness and its 2023 year-date. The coin’s obverse depicts the Jody Clark effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II supplemented with the dates of her reign and the coin’s monetary denomination.
TECHNICAL NOTES
The reverse design elements typically pressed in raised high relief have been recessed below the coin’s surface in an impressively detailed incused strike. The coin's obverse has been struck in The Perth Mint’s traditional high relief finish.
ABOUT THE DESIGNER
This is the eighth wedge-tailed eagle design for The Perth Mint by renowned sculptor and engraver John M.Mercanti, the 12th Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. Mercanti also created the reverse design of the American Silver Eagle bullion coin and has produced more coin and medal designs than any other employee in the history of the U.S. Mint.
PRESENTATION
This coin is housed in a classic grey display case within a themed shipper and is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.