Royal Australian Mint 2014 50c Coloured Printed Coin - Australia at War - Boer War

In 1899, South Africa had been a site of growing tensions between the British colonies and the independent republics of Dutch-Afrikaner settlers (Boers). British subjects in the region were engaged, and the British response became known as the Boer War.

Early Australian contingents were sourced from the colonial militia, but later ‘bushmen’ delegates were recruited from many more diverse settings, funded by the imperial government in London. Later ‘draft contingents’ were subsidised by Australian state governments after Federation.

Australia supported the British counter-offensive from 1900-1902, seizing major Boer towns, and forcing the Boers into small pockets of resistance. Overwhelmingly, Boer guerrillas were outnumbered and conquered by Australian troops.

Of the more than 16,000 Australians who fought in the Boer War, 282 died in battle or of wounds, and 286 succumbed to disease. Six Australians joined the elite rank of Victoria Cross recipients.

Coin’s reverse features an artistic representation of a statue paying tribute to Australia’s Light Horsemen. The coloured stripes featured on the packaging
and coin are representative of the ribbon colours on the medal given out during this time.

Part of the Australia at War series, which features 18 coins that reflect the nation’s pride in our brave servicemen and women.