RAM celebrates 100 years of the Treaty of Versailles

In a press release from the Royal Australian Mint, we learned that on June 28 they released new coins that depict the female figure of peace in commemoration of the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 2019, 100 years ago exactly.

The ‘Peace Medal-Triumph of Liberty & Justice’ inspired the design. This medal was issued to schoolchildren throughout Australia to mark the end of the First World War.

Royal Australian Mint CEO, Ross MacDiarmid comments, “ these coins mark one hundred years today since Australia became a signatory to the Treaty of Versailles, a document acknowledging our country’s full national status as the Commonwealth of Australia.”

The United Nations Association of Australia National Director, Lachlan Hunter said that Australia’s role at the Paris Peace Conference 100 years ago represented an important milestone in our (Australia’s) history, as an independent and active member of the global community.

The Treaty of Versailles was the first political treaty signed by Australian officials, in an effort to establish the conditions of peace ending World War I. Their involvement in the negotiation of the international treaty’s terms marked Australia’s independence under international law, and established the country as a founding member of the new League of Nations (now known as the United Nations).

Billy Hughes, the Prime Minister of Australia at that time, was present during the signing of the treaty in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles among the 32 singatories.

The 2019 Treaty of Versailles $1 Uncirculated coin has a limited mintage of 20,000 and retails for $15. The $5 Fine Silver Proof coin has a limited mintage of 2,000 and retails for $100.

The coins are Australian legal tender and can be purchased at www.eshop.ramint.gov.au.

All images courtesy of the Royal Australian Mint.