2014 50c CuNi Uncirculated Australia at War - German New Guinea

$14.95

Description
 

2014 50c CuNi Uncirculated Australia at War - German New Guinea

As a poignant reminder of the struggles faced during the First World War, the Australia at War series commemorates those who contended with the German colony of New Guinea. This conflict marks the earliest example of unity among Australian volunteers – and the first Australian lives to be claimed by the War.

HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANCE
When war was declared in August 1914, Australians sprung to action to fight for the cause. One early order of business was to counter the German colony
of New Guinea. Within weeks, volunteers rose to the challenge and successfully formed the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force, which occupied the township of Rabaul on 11 September.

A small party proceeded to the village of Bita Paka, and subsequently destroyed a German wireless station. In the engagement with the German Reservists and Melanesian native police, seven serving Australians were killed; the first Australians to make the ultimate sacrifice in the First World War.

FEATURES AND DESIGN
• Uncirculated finish
• Part of the Australia at War series, to feature 18 coins which will reflect the nation’s pride in these brave servicemen and women
• Coin’s reverse features a representation of the HMAS Warrego journey towards the German wireless station
• Obverse features Queen Elizabeth II effigy sculpted by Ian Rank-Broadley. Reverse designer W. Pietranik
• The coloured stripes featured on the packaging are representative of the ribbon colours on the medal given out during this time