27 November 2020
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A year on from the devastating bushfires that swept the nation, the Royal Australian Mint has launched a circulating coin and a coloured $2 commemorative coin honouring Australia’s Firefighters, with proceeds of the sale going to fire and emergency service organisations.
Speaking at the launch of the coins, Royal Australian Mint General Manager, Mark Cartwright announced that $125,000 dollars from the proceeds from the sale of the coins will go to fire and emergency service organisations across the country.
“The Mint is immensely aware of the bravery and sacrifice that goes in to being a firefighter. Providing some financial benefit back to the firefighting community is a tangible way for us to assist these critical organisations to prepare for the summer ahead.”
He also noted the significance of releasing these coins.
Coin highlights bravery and dedication
“These coins serve as an everyday reminder of the ongoing commitment of our firefighters and emergency service personnel to protect our lives and property. We should not forget that it was less than twelve months ago that large parts of Australia was on fire. Our firefighters – both career and voluntary – courageously combated the extreme conditions to keep us safe”.
“Australia’s 170,000 plus firefighters are revered for their bravery and dedication. From the cities to the outback, they protect us from danger and are always prepared to step up when needed.”
Coin design
Using a semi-symmetrical design, the coin highlights the ‘hero’ statues that firefighters hold in the community. The coin design includes stylised representation of two firefights standing back to back, with a coloured fire ball in the centre of the coin.
The identity of the two firefighters is hidden but the figure on the right is shown as masculine and the figure on the left as feminine as a symbol of the diversity within Australia’s firefighting ranks.
The Australia’s Firefighters – 2020 $2 ‘C’ Mintmark Colour Uncirculated Coin is available in a limited mintage of 40,000.
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