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Perth Mint Honors the Evolution of Australia’s Military Aviation

The Perth Mint is commemorating 100 Years of Australian Military Aviation with the release of a limited edition collector coin depicting a Bristol Boxkite aircraft – the first military aircraft flown in Australia at Point Cook, on 1 March 1914. 

Operated by flight instructor Lieutenant Eric Harrison, the Bristol Boxkite was instrumental in the evolution of military aviation across the nation. Considered to be a state-of-the-art aircraft for its time, it was one of the most successful military training aircrafts.

perth3Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, this superb tribute coin portrays a representation of a Bristol aircraft propeller with a military Boxkite flying under the propeller blade and an F/A-18 Hornet fighter aircraft soaring above it. The inscription 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF AUSTRALIAN MILITARY AVIATION, the dates 1914 – 2014, and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark are also included in the design.

This historic 1oz silver proof coin will be available for the first time at the Centenary of Military Aviation 2014 Air Show presented by the Royal Australian Air Force at RAAF Williams, Point Cook, Victoria over the weekend of 1st and 2nd March. This prominent event will feature a re-enactment of the very first military flight in Australia, and will highlight the significant advances in military aircraft during the past 100 years.

Perth Mint Sales and Marketing Director, Ron Currie added, “As the birthplace of Australia’s military aviation and the oldest continually operating military airfield in the world, we are exceptionally honoured to be launching the 100 Years of Australian Military Aviation commemorative coin at Point Cook.”

“We believe the tribute will be highly sought-after by Australian collectors, as well as serving and past members of the Royal Australian Air Force,” he added.

D.W. Gardner, Director of the Royal Australian Air Force Museum, said “Harrison’s inaugural flight of a Bristol Boxkite 100 years ago is recognised as the starting point of all military aviation in Australia. To mark this military milestone with a commemorative coin is simply outstanding. It is an exceptional keepsake.”

Priced at $80.35 (USD), only 5,000 of the 100 Years of Australian Military Aviation 2014 1oz Silver Proof Coins will be released by The Perth Mint.

Tickets for the Centenary of Aviation Air Show are now on sale. Encompassing a spectacular show with air and ground displays, this national event will also see the official unveiling of a newly built replica of a Bristol Boxkite aeroplane. For more information, please visit www.airforce.gov.au.

 

Perth Mint
Perth Minthttps://www.perthmint.com/
The Perth Mint is Australia’s largest and most highly accredited precious metals enterprise. Through its integrated operations and trusted products and services, it develops markets and creates demand for Australian precious metals the world over. Operating the largest refinery and the only facility in Australia accredited for gold and silver by the London Bullion Market Association, the Mint holds endorsements by commodity trading centres in London, New York, Tokyo, Shanghai and Dubai. The Perth Mint exports in excess of USD14 billion worth of bullion bars and coins to institutional and private investors in more than 130 countries each year and issues an array of legal tender commemoratives for collectors. Offering the world’s only government guaranteed precious metals investment and storage program, the Mint also manages approximately USD3 billion worth of metal held on behalf of some 40,000 clients. Still operating in its original premises, founded in 1899, The Perth Mint is also a premier tourist destination and home to the Guinness Book of Records certified largest coin in the world – the Australian Kangaroo One Tonne Gold Coin, worth more than USD 40 million.

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