2015 50c Uncirculated Carded Coin - Australia At War Crete

Description

In 1941, during the Second World War, as Australian and Allied troops began withdrawing from Greece, many were relocated to the island of Crete to sustain the Royal Navy's garrison. While German forces were initially engaged in other battles, they sought to capture the island's three main airfields, launching an assault on Crete on 20 May.

The island was attacked from above by over 9500 German paratroopers. British, Australian, and New Zealand troops stood in unity alongside the Cretans. While the Allies lacked the weaponry and airspace (the presence in the skies) compared to their attackers, they were ultimately outnumbered. Despite their tireless efforts, the defenders were eventually overwhelmed.

Despite their unified and desperate attempts to hold Crete, this costly action caused the troops to suffer heavily. There were over 7000 casualties and more than 11,000 soldiers taken as prisoners of war, including 5600 Australians.

• A continuation of the Royal Australian Mint's Official Anzac Centenary Coin Program and Australia at War series
  
• Produced in collaboration with the Australian War Memorial
  
• Uncirculated coin on a presentation card with historical details about the actions at Crete
  
• The coloured bars on the card represent the medal ribbons presented in the Second World War
  
• Reverse design features a vivid depiction of soldiers battling while aircraft and airborne troops attack from above
  
• Obverse features Her majesty Queen Elizabeth II effigy sculpted by lan Rank-Broadley
  
• Australian legal tender

NOMINAL SPECIFICATIONS
Denomination 50c
Year 2015
Metal content CuNi
Mass 15.55 g
Diameter 31.51 mm
Finish Uncirculated
Maximum mintage 50.000
Packaging Card
Obverse designer lan Rank-Broadley
Reverse designer E. Llewellyn