Named for its long, distinctively shaped tail, the wedge-tailed eagle has a wingspan of more than 2.5 metres. With the ability to fly tirelessly for many hours, it’s known to soar at altitudes of 2,000 metres and beyond on thermal air currents rising from Australia’s sun-baked terrain.

Magnificent eagle design

The coin portrays a representation of a wedge-tailed eagle by John M. Mercanti, the 12^th Chief Engraver of the US Mint (retired). The magnificent bird is standing on a branch with its vast wings outstretched. As well as the inscription AUSTRALIAN WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark, the reverse also includes the coin’s weight, fineness and its 2023 year-date.

Memorial Obverse

Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the coin bears the official 'Queen Elizabeth Memorial Obverse', featuring the Jody Clark effigy supplemented with the dates of Her Majesty’s reign – ‘1952 – 2022’.