2015 50c Uncirculated Coin - Australia at War - Greece

2015 50c Uncirculated Coin - Australia at War - Greece

The popular Australia at War series continues with this uncirculated coin, paying tribute to Australian Second World War soldiers who fought against the German invasion of Greece. This coin will be cherished by military historians, coin collectors and those whose families have served in conflict.

HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANCE

In 1941, Germany had great fears of Greece becoming a British ally, which would jeopardise Germany’s access to the Romanian oilfields.
To protect their interests, Germany subsequently invaded Greece. Although the risks of defending Greece were apparent, British, Australian and New Zealand soldiers banded together to help defend a country that would soon be vulnerable.

German forces commenced their invasion on 6 April, promptly proceeding towards Athens. The Commonwealth forces fought against
the invaders for a month in many exhaustive confrontations. A series of strategic withdrawals by Commonwealth forces attempted to curb the German offensive, but the campaign ultimately ended in defeat. Some 50,000 Commonwealth troops were evacuated but more than 3000 Australians and New Zealanders were captured.

FEATURES AND DESIGN

• A continuation of the Royal Australian Mint’s Official Anzac Centenary Coin Program and Australia at War series
• Produced in collaboration with the Australian War Memorial
• Uncirculated coin on a presentation card with historical details about the battles in Greece
• The coloured bars on the card represent the medal ribbons presented in the Second World War
• Reverse design features a powerful depiction of Commonwealth soldiers battling alongside their Greek counterparts
• Obverse features Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II effigy sculpted by Ian Rank-Broadley
• Australian legal tender