2017 $1 AlBr Coin - Century of the Battle of Beersheba

Marking the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Beersheba, a moving design has been portrayed in fine silver and aluminium bronze to honour the courage and sacrifice shown during the charge of the Light Horsemen and cater for a range of target markets including those with a personal connection.

HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANCE

On 31 October 1917 Australian troops from the 4th and 12th Light Horse Regiments stormed the Ottoman defensive positions in Beersheba under artillery and rifle fire. Charging across several kilometres of open land without cover, directly into the Ottoman defences, they succeeded in defeating the garrison and capturing the town. These great acts of valour were intensified by the fearless displays of nerve from the mounts the Light Horsemen took to battle. These warhorses ran over twice the distance of the Melbourne Cup and hurdled broad defensive trenches to overrun the enemy. Suffering losses of 31 dead and 36 wounded, along with many horses, the victory was not without its price. The Charge of the Light Horsemen is captured meticulously in this detailed coin design, aptly honouring the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Beersheba.

FEATURES AND DESIGN
• Commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Beersheba
• Reverse design represents the fervour of mounted warfare, capturing Light Horsemen at full charge across the arid Middle East
• Obverse carries the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley
• Coined to world-class uncirculated standard
• Uncirculated coin mintage of 20 000
• Australian legal tender