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Image Not Available for Coin commemorating 100 years of the Royal Australian Navy
Coin commemorating 100 years of the Royal Australian Navy
Image Not Available for Coin commemorating 100 years of the Royal Australian Navy

Coin commemorating 100 years of the Royal Australian Navy

Designer
Manufacturer
Date2 March 2011
Object number00050159
NameCoin
MediumSilver, plastic
DimensionsOverall: 6 x 45 mm, 37.1 g
ClassificationsCoins and medals
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionCommemorative coin and badge set celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy 1911-2011. The obverse side features an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by designer Ian Rank-Broadley. The reverse side, designed by Wade Robinson, comprises images representing sailors from the early days of the Royal Australian Navy; HMAS YARRA, the River class torpedo boat destroyer commissioned in 1910; and the modern warship HMAS ANZAC, the third Australian ship to carry the name. The coin is complimented by a gold-plated badge replicating the official RAN badge incorporating the St Edward (Queen's) Crown and the inscription ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY. The coin and badge are housed in a display case. This set is numbered 3294.HistoryThe Royal Australian Navy was formed in 1911. After the Federation of Australia in 1901, the Commonwealth Naval Forces was formed by amalgamating the six separate colonial navies. The Commonwealth government, however, paid for the Royal Navy to continue providing naval defence. On 10 July 1911, King George V gave his approval for the Commonwealth Naval Forces to be called the Royal Australian Navy, and for RAN ships to carry the prefix HMAS, His Majesty's Australian Ship. 7,500 of these coins were minted by the Perth Mint. The coin is uncirculated; produced for the commemorative market only.SignificanceThis coin set is an example of the type of commememorative mementos produced to celebrate the 100th anniverary of the Royal Australian Navy for commercial sale. This coin's significance lies in its recognition of 100 years of service by the Royal Australian Navy in the defence of Australia.