Product Description
Specifications
5oz Coin Collection: Australian Military History
Product Overview
The 5oz Coin Collection: Australian Military History brings together five 1oz coloured silver proof coins commemorating significant events and stories from Australia's military past.
Spanning the naval encounter between HMAS Sydney and SMS Emden, the legacy of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, and the courage associated with the Gallipoli campaign, the collection combines military history with detailed coloured proof coinage.
This is a five-coin bundle assembled from individual commemorative releases and contains a combined 5 troy ounces of silver. It is not an originally issued five-coin presentation set.
Coins Included
- 3 × 2004 1oz Cook Islands HMAS Sydney / SMS Emden Coloured Silver Proof Coins – Commemorating the historic First World War naval encounter between HMAS Sydney and the German cruiser SMS Emden. Supplied without presentation boxes.
- 1 × 2005 1oz 90 Years Australian and New Zealand Army Corps Coloured Silver Proof Coin – The Australian coin only from the commemorative issue. Supplied without presentation box.
- 1 × 2005 1oz Gallipoli – Courage Coloured Silver Proof Coin – A commemorative silver proof issue reflecting on the courage and service associated with the Gallipoli campaign.
Key Features & Benefits
- Five Silver Coins – A collection of five military-themed commemorative silver proof coins.
- 5oz Combined Silver – Each coin contains 1 troy ounce of silver for a combined total of 5 troy ounces.
- Australian Military History – Themes include HMAS Sydney, SMS Emden, ANZAC and Gallipoli.
- Coloured Proof Coins – Combines proof finishes with selective colour detailing.
- Early 2000s Commemoratives – Includes military-themed releases dated 2004 and 2005.
- Ready-Made Collection – Five related coins grouped together around a common Australian military-history theme.
Stories of Australian Military History
Three coins in the collection commemorate the famous encounter between HMAS Sydney and SMS Emden during the First World War. On 9 November 1914, the Australian light cruiser HMAS Sydney engaged the German cruiser SMS Emden near the Cocos Islands, bringing an end to Emden's successful campaign against Allied shipping.
The 90 Years Australian and New Zealand Army Corps coin looks back on the ANZAC story 90 years after the Gallipoli landings of 1915, while the Gallipoli – Courage coin focuses on the courage and sacrifice associated with the campaign.
Together, the five coins create a collection centred on naval history, the ANZAC tradition, service and remembrance.
Collection Specifications
Collection: Australian Military History
Number of Coins: 5
Years: 2004–2005
Product Type: Coloured Silver Proof Coin Collection
Metal: Silver
Silver Content: 1 Troy Oz per Coin
Total Silver Content: 5 Troy Oz
Finish: Coloured Proof
Themes: HMAS Sydney, SMS Emden, ANZAC and Gallipoli
2004 1oz Cook Islands HMAS Sydney SMS Emden Coloured Silver Proof Coin (no box): 3
2005 1oz 90 Years Australian and New Zealand Army Corps Coloured Silver Proof Coin (no box): 1 – Australian Coin Only
2005 1oz Gallipoli - Courage Coloured Silver Proof Coin: 1
Total Coins: 5
Packaging & Availability
This collection has been assembled as a five-coin bundle and was not originally released as a single five-coin set.
These coins all come encapsulated but without presentation cases.
Discover More
Explore our range of silver coins, including Australian commemorative coins, military-themed releases and historic collectibles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What connects the five coins in this collection?
Each coin explores a story connected with Australian military history during the First World War. Together they cover Australia's early naval involvement, the ANZAC tradition and the enduring remembrance of Gallipoli.
Why is the HMAS Sydney and SMS Emden encounter significant?
The 1914 engagement was an important early chapter in the Royal Australian Navy's wartime history. HMAS Sydney defeated the German cruiser SMS Emden near the Cocos Islands, ending Emden's campaign against Allied shipping in the Indian Ocean.
Why are ANZAC and Gallipoli important themes in Australian commemorative coins?
The 1915 Gallipoli campaign became closely associated with the development of the ANZAC tradition and Australia's culture of military remembrance. As a result, ANZAC, Gallipoli, service and sacrifice have appeared frequently on Australian commemorative coins and medals.
Was this originally issued as a five-coin set?
No. This is a themed collection assembled from five individual commemorative coins. It includes three examples of the 2004 HMAS Sydney / SMS Emden coin plus one each of the 2005 ANZAC and Gallipoli – Courage releases.
Condition Note: These are vintage collectibles. Minor imperfections, toning, marks or signs of previous handling may be present and are considered consistent with age and storage. The HMAS Sydney / SMS Emden coins and the 90 Years Australian and New Zealand Army Corps coin are supplied without their original presentation boxes. Individual coins may vary slightly in appearance.