2014 $1 Silver Proof Coin - 100th Anniversary of the AIF Convoy

2014 $1 Silver Proof Coin - 100th Anniversary of the AIF Convoy

The story of the Australian Imperial Forces’ journey from Albany is a story of passion and determination to participate in Australia’s war efforts. As a testimony to the Anzac spirit, this convoy’s journey is captured on these coins, which will be sought after by coin and precious metal collectors, military enthusiasts and service personnel.

HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANCE
On 1 November 1914, some 30 000 Australian and New Zealand soldiers set sail from Albany, Western Australia, as part of the Australian Imperial Forces convoy. They were experiencing many of the feelings that accompany these sorts of endeavours: hope, uncertainty, pride, anticipation, fear, and before too long, disappointment.

While the convoy was in the Arabian Sea, those on- board received word that Turkey had entered the war against Britain. Instead of joining the main war effort,
they were sent to Egypt and spent the following months training at Mena Camp.

The soldiers finally received their long awaited orders on 1 April 1915. After five months of feeling sidelined, they joined the British forces in battle on the Gallipoli peninsula. This was their opportunity to show their bravery and devotion to their countries as ANZACs.

FEATURES AND DESIGN
• Part of the Royal Australian Mint’s popular Official Anzac Centenary Coin program
• Limited mintage
• Finished to the Royal Australian Mint’s exacting proof standard
• Presentation box
• Numbered certificate of authenticity
• Coins’ reverse features an artistic representation of the AIF convoy embarkation and the beginning of the Anzac story
• Obverse features Queen Elizabeth II effigy sculpted by Ian Rank-Broadley
• Australian legal tender