In commemoration of the centenary anniversary of the repatriation of Australian soldiers and nurses after the First World War, the Royal Australian Mint has released a new $2 circulating coin.

“The coin is an enduring acknowledgment of vital efforts to provide support to Australian service people, while at the same time commemorating a century of service,” said the Royal Australian Mint CEO, Ross MacDiarmid, in a statement on the Mint's website.

The reverse of the new coin features a graphic element taken from the First World War ‘Returned from Active Service’ badge. The badge featured on the coin is framed by a circular color print depicting black arrows and red and black petal motifs. The arrows, inspired by the iconic Rising Sun, represent the journey home of Australian service personnel over the last 100 years. The petals represent the Flanders Field poppy, an iconic symbol of remembrance, with each petal symbolizing the six states and two territories of Australia. The ‘Returned from Active Service’ badge depicts the St. Edward’s Crown with a rising sun.

The obverse displays an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley.

The coin entered circulation on 8 April and will reach the nation’s wallets and change over the coming months. There is an uncirculated version of the coin.

In 1919, the Australian government established the Repatriation Department to oversee the vital task of bringing home to Australia, tens of thousands of soldiers and nurses after the First World War. A century later, crucial support is still provided to Australian servicemen and women through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Source Royal Australian Mint