On July 7 Australia’s Perth Mint released a new silver half-ounce bullion piece. The 50-cent coin commemorates the Battle of the Coral Sea fought from May 4 to May 8, 1942. It was a critical clash in the Pacific during World War II. For the first time the Imperial Japanese Navy was checked in its sweep south.
It was the first naval battle in which all the action came from manned planes from aircraft carriers. It was the first naval battle of carrier-versus-carrier.
In this light the reverse design is remarkable. It shows neither an aircraft carrier nor a plane. Eighteen cruisers and 28 destroyers were present. The only shots they fired were anti-aircraft ordnance. Their role was to be targets.
The result of the battle was a strategic victory for the Allies with the Japanese invasion of southern New Guinea and the planned capture of Port Moresby stopped in its tracks.
Check Perth Mint’s online shop: www.perthmint.com.au. Mintage is unlimited.
