2015 $1 Coloured Frosted Uncirculated Carded Coin - Pigeon

Description

Pigeons are misunderstood birds with a number of hidden talents: speed, endurance, homing instincts and eyesight that can detect more colours than humans can. They have been unsung heroes of many conflicts, carrying messages across battlefields when aeroplanes, radios and human feet would have been too easily detected by the enemy.

During World War II, when Australia was fighting alongside the USA, the Japanese attacked a US Marine patrol on Manus Island. The soldiers needed help, but their radio had failed. With pigeon power as their only hope, DD.43.0.879 had to face the danger when two other pigeons had already been shot down. Against the odds, he reached HQ with this important message, and help was dispatched to save the patrol.

'Q'served with the Australian Army in 1944, and was awarded the Dickin Medal for "conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty"

• The 2015 six-coin series released as part of the Royal Australian Mint's $1 colour frosted uncirculated coins
  
• A heartfelt tribute to the sacrifice and effort of Australia's war heroes, great and small
  
• The reverse design features a modern Interpretation of an Australian War hero: DD.43.0.879, the blue chequer cock
  
• Obverse features Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II effigy sculpted by lan Rank-Broadley
  
• Australian legal tender

NOMINAL SPECIFICATIONS
Denomination $1
Year 2015
Metal content AlBr
Mass 9.00 g
Diameter 25.00 mm
Finish Frosted Uncirculated
Maximum mintage 30.000
Packaging Card
Obverse designer lan Rank-Broadley
Reverse designer Royal Australian Mint