Perched eagle on bimetal coin

John M. Mercanti, 12th chief engraver of the U.S. Mint, has created two designs of Australia’s Wedge-tailed Eagle for the Perth Mint. These have appeared on precious metal coins issued…

A perched eagle designed by John Mercanti appears on new Perth Mint coin issues.

John M. Mercanti, 12th chief engraver of the U.S. Mint, has created two designs of Australia’s Wedge-tailed Eagle for the Perth Mint. These have appeared on precious metal coins issued over the past 18 months.

On Sept. 6 the Mint released its latest version showing Mercanti’s perched eagle: a bimetallic $50. It comes struck on a 32.60 mm flan consisting of a 15.103 g (0.5 oz) .9999 fine silver ring about a 15.567 g (0.5 oz) .999 fine gold core. Mintage is 750.

The same eagle also comes as two high-relief proofs: a 50.60 mm, 155.673 g (5 oz) .999 fine silver $8, and a 40.50 mm, 155.533 g (5 oz) .9999 fine gold $500. Mintages are 5,000 and 199, respectively.

This article was originally printed in World Coin News.
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