A new $2 coin was released into circulation today (24 March) by the Royal Australian Mint, featuring an illustration of 12 frontline workers who have worked diligently throughout the pandemic.
This is the first commemorative coin released by the Mint that acknowledges the two years of a global health crisis.
Leigh Gordon, CEO of the Royal Australian Mint, said that it was only fitting that Australia’s newest circulating coin honours our “sometimes unseen heroes”.
“Every time someone receives this coin in their change, they will be reminded of the perseverance and service of Australia’s frontline workers,” said Mr Gordon.
The workers featured on the coin include those on hospital frontlines, represented by a doctor, a nurse, and a paramedic.
Other critical workers who are illustrated include a teacher, a cleaner, a retail worker and a contact tracer. They are joined by representations of a soldier, firefighter, childcare worker, police officer, and scientist.
The designer of the coloured coin is long-time Mint designer Adam Ball.
“Our frontline workers have supported and protected Australians over the last two years, showing incredible resilience and exemplifying the Australian spirit,” said Mr Gordon.
The Mint has a proud history of commemorating significant events and people who have made an impact in Australia. The new frontline workers coin adds to this history.
“This coin is for the thousands of workers who put their own health and safety at risk to fulfil their roles and keep Australians healthy, safe, clean, fed and informed,” he said.
For those wondering why the frontline workers are shown to be holding hands with today’s implications of close contact, a spokesperson from the Mint confirmed that, if you look closely, they are not actually touching one another.
However, the illustration was intended to represent the connectiveness of the Australian community during tough times.
Two million of the $2 frontline workers coins will be released into circulation across Australia over the coming weeks.
The next commemorative coin is set to be released on 7 April.
A collectable version is included in the 2022 Year Sets, available from the Mint’s eShop.
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