The 2018 Lest We Forget Eternal Flame $2 coin was number 8 of the coloured circulating coins to be produced by the Royal Australian Mint. The circulating 2018 Eternal Flame $2; symbolising ANZAC remembrance and sacrifice, was released into circulation throughout April 2018. Keeping consistent with our $2 series of articles, this coin pictured above is the ‘C’ Mintmarked type. As recognised in a RAM Facebook post, the unique design of the coin was inspired by the Eternal Flame at the Australian War Memorial; suspended above the Pool of Reflection.

On the 20^th of March 2018 the RAM announced in their media release that “The iconic eternal flame at the Australian War Memorial will now circulate in currency with coloured $2 coins released by the Royal Australian Mint ahead of Anzac Day.

Produced in partnership with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Australian War Memorial, the Lest We Forget – Eternal Flame coin continues the Mint’s tradition of releasing coloured $2 coins into circulation as part of the Anzac Centenary Coin Program."

The Hon Michael Sukkar MP, Assistant Minister to the Treasurer, said the Lest We Forget – Eternal Flame coin is a tangible tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. “The striking design of the Lest We Forget – Eternal Flame coin is inspired by the eternal flame at the Australian War Memorial and captures aspects of the Anzac spirit in permanent form,"

"Currency is part of everyday life in Australia and the release of this circulating coin will be a subtle and appropriate reminder of our Anzac history for years to come.”

Ross MacDiarmid, CEO of the Mint, stated that the coin symbolises remembrance and sacrifice. “Like other cultural institutions, the Mint is responsible for sharing stories of Australia’s past. We have a long tradition of commemorating Australia’s military history through coin and are proud to be introducing the Lest We Forget – Eternal Flame coins into circulation.”

While Dr Brendan Nelson, Director of the Australian War Memorial announced “The Eternal Flame at the Australian War Memorial symbolises our nation's perpetual gratitude towards, and remembrance of, those 102,800 men and women who gave their lives for us and our freedoms in war and operations for more than a century. We are proud to support the Royal Australian Mint in releasing the Lest We Forget – Eternal Flame $2 coin into circulation.”

Mint Issue 119 details the 2018 $2 Lest We Forget Coloured Circulating Five Coin Pack, and the ‘C’ Mintmark Coloured Uncirculated Coin as each retailing for $10 and $15 respectively.

The 2017 – 2018 RAM Annual Report indicates that 30’891 of the 2018 'C' Mintmarked $2 coins were produced. The same report also shows that 3’400’000 of the coloured circulating type coins were produced. Adding these circulating figures to the 2018 - 2019 RAM Annual Report, it can be concluded that a total of 5'400'000 of the coins were produced.

Release: 2018
Mintage: 30’891

RESOURCES

Facebook Advertisement 14/08/2018 - https://www.facebook.com/RoyalAustralianMint/posts/-eternal-flame-released-into-circulation-to-commemorate-anzac-day-this-year-the-/2324116534295155/

RAM Media Release 31/10/2017: New circulating coin shares spirit of Australia’s ANZACs https://www.ramint.gov.au/publications/new-circulating-coin-shares-spirit-australias-anzacs

Mint Issue 119
April 2018: https://www.ramint.gov.au/sites/default/files/2018_mintissue_119_april_online.pdf

Annual Reports
2017 – 2018: https://www.ramint.gov.au/sites/default/files/2018/policy/2017-18_annual_report_web_accssible_fa.pdf

2018 – 2019: https://www.ramint.gov.au/sites/default/files/annual_report_2018-19.pdf

Last Updated: 24/07/2022