The 2012 Remembrance Day Red Poppy is the first of the Australian coloured $2 commemorative circulating coins. This ‘C’ Mintmarked coin photographed here, is the sister coin to the circulating type. It is also the first in our $2 Mintmarked series of posts by Currency Australia - CCA.

On the 26th of October 2012, the Royal Australian Mint announced that “In the lead-up to Remembrance Day, it is only fitting that Australia's first $2 commemorative circulating coin features the poppy flower, a symbol synonymous with this important day of reflection.

The coloured coin, of which there will be half a million, will be circulated nationally through the Returned and Services League (RSL) Red Poppy Appeal. The non-coloured poppy coin, to be produced in a minimum run of five million, will be distributed through the normal channels via banks and retail outlets over the coming months.

"Only one other country, Canada, has released coloured coins into circulation and the fact that we have added micro-lettering into the design showcases our world class innovative capabilities”, said the Mint’s Chief Executive Officer Mr Ross MacDiarmid.

A collectible ‘C’ Mintmark coin product is also available for $12.95 (or for $19.95 from Australia Post in the postal numismatic covers) from the Royal Australian Mint.”

Apart from the coin having such a low retail price on release. It is interesting to see that Mr MacDiarmid recognised the Royal Canadian Mint as the only other country to release coloured circulating coins. Also that he mentioned the micro-lettering was “added” to the design, which showcases the Royal Australian Mints “innovative capabilities”.
 
This is interesting because in December 2017 the Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) moved to sue the Royal Australian Mint (RAM) in the Australian federal court for patent infringement, after the RCM displayed concerns to the RAM in 2015; following up failed informal dispute resolution discussions at the 2016 Berlin World Money Fair. On the 10th of September 2018 all disputes were resolved through a confidential cross-licensing agreement. National Post reported "A joint communiqué provided to the National Post on Monday afternoon said the agreement “provides for an exchange of licenses, and allows both mints to pursue their respective activities and business interests in a mutually-beneficial manner.”

The Royal Canadian Mint claimed that the Australian Mint had; without permission, printed over 500’000 commemorative Remembrance Day $2 coins featuring a red poppy. As well as 11 other coloured designs (including the 2017 Possum Magic and the 2016 Olympic-themed coins) released since the Remembrance Day coins in 2012. The Mint claims their methods are “sufficiently different to have not infringed” on the Canadians patented method of printing colour on metal.

The 2012 - 2013 RAM Annual Report states that 40'902 'C' Mintmark Remembrance Day $2 coins were produced, along with 503'000 of the circulating type.

The distinguished history of this coin combined with the notable design and low mintage of just 40’902, allows it to claim the iconic and popular status it has with collectors and investors alike. Sale prices on these coins range from 20 to 30 plus times the original price on release.

Release: 2012
Mintage: 40’902

RESOURCES

The Guardian 18/04/2018: Canadian mint sues Australian mint over magic possums and red poppies https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/18/royal-canadian-mint-sues-australia-possum-magic-coins
 
Canadian Coin News 13/02/2018: RCM sues Australian Mint over patent infringement https://canadiancoinnews.com/rcm-sues-australian-mint-patent-infringement/
 
National Post 10/09/2018: Canadian and Australian mints resolve legal battle over 'Possum Magic,' Remembrance Day coins https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/canadian-and-australian-mints-resolve-legal-battle-over-possum-magic-remembrance-day-coins
 
RAM Media Release 26/10/2012: Australia's first commemorative $2 coin remembers them https://www.ramint.gov.au/publications/australias-first-commemorative-2-coin-remembers-them

Mint Issue 95
November 2012: https://www.ramint.gov.au/sites/default/files/mintissue01/mintissue01/mintissue95.pdf

Annual Report
2012 – 2013: https://www.ramint.gov.au/sites/default/files/2013_annualreport.pdf#page=1

Last Updated: 28/08/2021