The 2019 Centenary of Repatriation 'C' Mintmarked $2 coin was released on the 8^th of April, with the circulating type released into circulation on the same day in 2019. The Royal Australian Mint’s media release on the 24^th of April stated, the design is intended to celebrate the centenary of repatriation of Australian soldiers and nurses; since the end of the First World War. As well as honour 100 years of service acknowledging the support of loyal Australian service people.

Royal Australian Mint CEO Ross MacDiarmid (retired as of December the 4th 2020) stated that “As these coins begin to circulate across the country ahead of Anzac Day, we hope the coins will contribute to our nation’s memory of the sacrifices made by service people in this country”.

Located on the reverse at the centre of the coin, we can see Royal Australian Mint designer Adam William Ball’s unique interpretation of the First World War ‘Returned from Active Service’ badge. The design of the bronze WWI badge portrays a combined Royal Australian Navy (RAN) anchor, Australian Imperial Force (AIF) rising sun, and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) wings, surmounted by St Edward’s Crown. Underneath these is a supporting boomerang; used to signify the returning nature of service people, with the words 'RETURNED FROM ACTIVE SERVICE' adorned on the Indigenous technology.

The WWI ‘Returned from Active Service’ Badge was issued to members of the RAN, AIF, RAAF, Australian Army Nursing Service, Voluntary Aid Detachments, official press correspondents, official photographers, and approved representatives of philanthropic bodies upon return from service abroad.

The central badge design is framed by a circular colour print depicting black arrows in between red and black petals. The arrows are inspired by the iconic Rising Sun, which is representative of the journey home undertaken by Australian service personnel over the last 100 years. While the petals represent the Flanders Field poppy; an iconic symbol of war remembrance, with each petal symbolising each of the six states and two territories of Australia. Mr Ball’s initials ‘AWB’ can be viewed under the painted arrow in the 6 o’clock position, towards the outer edge of the inner ring.

The Mini Mint Issue 124 in April details the 2019 'C' Mintmark Coloured Uncirculated Coin as appealing “to military and history enthusiasts, military service personnel and veterans, and coin collectors”. As displayed by the Mint Issue 124 in September 2019, the ‘C’ Mintmark coin was still available at the time for the original release price of $15.

The 2018 - 2019 RAM Annual Report indicates that 25'710 of the 2019 'C' Mintmarked Repatriation $2 coins, and 2'000'000 of the circulating type coins were produced. Furthermore, by adding the figures from the 2019 - 2020 Annual Report we can conclude that a total of 39'888 $2 'C' Mintmarked coins, and 2'127'000 circulating type coins were produced.

Release: 2019
Mintage: 39’888

RESOURCES

Facebook Release Announcement 29/03/2019 - https://www.facebook.com/RoyalAustralianMint/photos/-upcoming-releases-april-2019-dont-miss-out-take-this-opportunity-to-add-a-remin/2790884294285041/

Facebook Advertisement 08/04/2019 - https://www.facebook.com/248501001856729/photos/a.251059518267544/2809363715770432/

RAM Media Release 24/04/2019: Australia’s Centenary of Repatriation recognised with a new circulating coloured $2 coin https://www.ramint.gov.au/publications/australias-centenary-repatriation-recognised-new-circulating-coloured-2-coin

Mini Mint Issue 124
April 2019: https://www.ramint.gov.au/publications/april-2019-mini-mint-issue

Mint Issue 124
September 2019: https://www.ramint.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019_mint_issue_124_september_fa_online.pdf

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

2019 – 2020: https://www.ramint.gov.au/sites/default/files/ramint_annual_report_2019-20.pdf

Last Updated: 23/08/2022