Two coins commemorating the Greece and Crete campaigns were launched in Canberra last week.
The 50 cent coins are part of the Royal Australian Mint’s Official Anzac Centenary Coin Program, which captures the history, service and sacrifice of Australians at war.
In a statement to media, the Royal Australian Mint said the initiative was part of its role in sharing the Anzac story with the Australian public, “providing them with something tangible and meaningful that will assist in story-telling for years to come”.
The coins are a product of close collaboration between the Royal Australian Mint, the Australian War Memorial and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, to select the most appropriate themes to the Australian public and assist in creating awareness of them.
The coins will be available to purchase at $10 each. The launch took place at the Hellenic Club of Canberra in Woden, ACT.
Nick Andriotakis, secretary of the Joint Committee for the Commemoration of the Battle of Crete and Greek Campaign in Sydney, said the striking of the coins was a significant recognition of the campaigns, “one which should all make us very proud of our collective passion for remembering the Anzacs and Greeks who fought during the Battle of Crete and Greece”.
The Australian government, unlike the Greek government, has never struck a medal in recognition of Australian servicemen and women who took part in the Greek and Crete campaigns of WWII.
For more information on the launch email info@ramint.gov.au or call 02 6202 6999.