Invictus Games Sydney 2018 presented by Jaguar and Land Rover, is full of firsts and one of them is thanks to Official Supporter the Royal Australian Mint. For the first time a coin with braille text has been produced in Australia.
The landmark $1 coin – 30,000 of which have been released by the Royal Australian Mint – is colour-frosted, uncirculated and features braille text which spells ‘Sydney 18’.
The Mint has also released 2,018 $5 fine silver selectively gold-plated proof coins. The Mint has already announced the release of a commemorative $2 coin, which will go into circulation in time for the Games, from 20 to 27 October.
Invictus Games Sydney 2018 Chief Executive Officer Patrick Kidd OBE said the braille coins were a “fitting tribute to the men and women who serve and have served in our defence forces and their families”.
“The coins celebrate the unconquered spirit that this community displays each and every day and that you will all witness when these Games begin,” said Kidd.
“While these Games honour the sacrifice of all Australians who have given their lives for their country, they also recognise the many veterans who live amongst our communities as well as the families who are united by service in Defence. Above all they celebrate the incredible competitors who use sport as a vehicle to recover and rehabilitate and themselves are unconquered.”
Kidd thanked the Royal Australian Mintfor its commemoration of the Games.
“Once again the Mint has led the way by producing Australia’s first coin to feature braille text and it is a real honour that they have chosen to do this with Invictus Games Sydney 2018.
“The Mint is a national institution and their support is a great demonstration of the significance of these Games to our nation. While held in Sydney, these are Australia’s Games and Australia’s opportunity to put on an international show of support for our Defence community.”
Royal Australian Mint Chief Executive Officer Ross MacDiarmid said the coins were a tribute to the courage and resilience of competitors and their families and friends.
“The coloured $1 collectible coin combines innovative colour print technology with braille text – a first for the Royal Australian Mint and for Australia – and has been released alongside a fine silver selectively gold-plated coin,” said MacDiarmid.
“Together these coins honour the service and sacrifice of those competing in the Invictus
Games Sydney 2018 and are a tangible demonstration of the Mint’s support of the event.”
The limited edition Invictus Games Sydney 2018 $1 Coloured Frosted Uncirculated Coin (featuring braille) is available now from the Mint for $15.00.. The $5 Fine Silver Selectively Gold-Plated Proof Coin is $150. Proceeds from sales will go towards staging Invictus Games Sydney 2018, which runs from 20-27 October.
To purchase or find out more, visit https://eshop.ramint.gov.au/ or phone 1300 652 020.