By Royal Australian Mint …..
With the toss of a coin to start the Australia v South Africa test match in Adelaide on November 24, it is only fitting that the coin commemorates the ‘voice of cricket’ Richie Benaud, who played his last test cricket match against the South Africans back in 1964.
Commemorated on a special collectible coin released today by the Royal Australian Mint, Benaud was one of Australia’s greatest all-rounders holding a remarkable playing record as the first test player to score 2,000 runs and take 200 wickets, never losing a test as captain followed by an illustrious career as a commentator.
Federal Small Business Minister Michael McCormack, who has responsibility for the Mint, said it was fitting to be commemorating Richie Benaud at today’s test match leading into summer.
“With Richie Benaud being the voice of summer and his name synonymous with cricket, it is with great pleasure that we honour Richie with this new coin,” said Mr McCormack.
“Seeing Richie’s face artistically displayed on this coin brings back happy memories for me and I’m sure for most Australians as we remember what he did on the field and in the commentary box for Australian sport.”
Daphne Benaud said that the Benaud family was pleased to have Richie’s life and influence on cricket forever commemorated on Australian currency with this collectible 50 cent coin.
“The Royal Australian Mint’s concept for a coin depicting Richie’s life was an idea enthusiastically endorsed by the Benaud family. It is a quality product and we are delighted he has been honored in this way,” said Daphne Benaud
Mint CEO Ross MacDiarmid said that it was an honor to feature Benaud on Australian currency, remembering the legend on and off the field, from an explosive batsman and consistent leg spin bowler to the iconic Australian voice of cricket.
“As a truly iconic Australian household name in his career as a cricketer and commentator, Richie Benaud’s cricketing statistics are legendary, leading the Australian team to hold the position in the sport’s top spot,” said Mr MacDiarmid.
“Featuring Benaud’s portrait surrounded by the atmosphere of a match with a focus on the fan group ‘The Richies’, the coin design commemorates his reputable career in the many layers, from the Australian cricket team captain to his renowned status in the commentary box.”
This collectible 50-cent coin design has a strictly limited product mintage of 95 929, inspired by statistics from Richie’s unforgettable cricket career and honoring his internationally renowned status as the voice of cricket.
As an Australian inspiration, Benaud’s legend will be forever commemorated on the 2016 50c Uncirculated Coin, available for purchase at eshop.ramint.gov.au or limited stock on ground at the Adelaide Oval during the test match.
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