Royal Australian Mint has released an Australian Bravery coin to honour Cross of Valour and George Cross recipients, Australia’s highest awards for civilian bravery. The gold plated fine silver coin is to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Australian Honours System.
On 14 February 1975, the Australian Honours System was introduced, acknowledging the most outstanding contributions to the nation. The Australian Bravery Decorations are an important part of this system, awarded to recognise acts of incredible bravery and selfless heroism. On the 40th anniversary of the Honours System, this beautiful gold-plated coin celebrates the recipients of the Cross of Valour and its predecessor, the George Cross. Their courage and bravery continue to inspire Australians today.
On 14 February 2015, on the 40th Anniversary of the Australian Honours System, all of the living Cross of Valour and George Cross recipients visiting the Royal Australian Mint to strike one of the newly released Australian Bravery coins.
Royal Australian Mint CEO Mr Ross MacDiarmid said that the Mint is honoured to be able to continue to share the story of bravery in Australia with the world.
“The George Cross and Cross of Valour recipients have shown an incredible amount of courage, putting themselves in danger in order to protect others,” said Mr MacDiarmid.
“Following the successful release of the Victoria Cross coin last year, we are pleased to be able to make available the Australian Bravery coin to show our appreciation and remember these efforts for years to come.”
The Australian Bravery coin utilises the rare technique of gold plating a fine silver coin and features the Cross of Valour and the name of its five recipients on the reverse. The obverse features the George Cross, the names of its 22 recipients and a miniature Queen Elizabeth II effigy.
The George Cross recipient Michael Pratt GC and Cross of Valour recipients Mr Victor Boscoe CV, Mr Timothy Britten CV, Mr Richard Joyes CV, Mr Allan Sparkes CV and Mr Darrell Tree CV participated in the launch, striking their own individual coin in the Mint’s high-security factory.
The recipients of the Cross of Valour and George Cross were accompanied by the official Patrons of the Cross of Valour Association of Australia, the Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD, CVO and Mr Michael Bryce AM, AE where the Mint was also presented with some very historic medals for a new upcoming display in its gallery focusing on bravery. This is likely to include some of the Cross of Valour medals in the near future.
“We consider it an absolute honour and privilege to be granted the loan to display these historic medals and continue to share the story of Australian bravery,” said Mr MacDiarmid.
This event was one of the only places where all five Cross of Valour and last living George Cross recipients have been all together in one place. The public were able to view from the observation windows and meet some real life heroes.
Those wishing to purchase the 2015 Australian Bravery coin, retailing for $120, can pre-order by visiting eshop.ramint.gov.au.
