2011 Famous Battles in Australian History - Gallipoli 1oz Silver Proof Dollar Coin

The first release in the series honours the Australian diggers of the First World War.

The Gallipoli or Dardanelles Campaign took place in the Ottoman Empire between April 1915 and January 1916. The operations consisted of a joint British and French mission to capture thecapital of Istanbul and secure a sea route to Russia. On 25 April, at approximately 4.15am on a still spring night, with the sea mist rising, members of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) landed at Gallipoli together with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. It was shortly after this landing that the high command realised that the men had disembarked in the wrong position. Instead of facing the friendly topography south ofAnzac Cove, they faced the precipitous area of the north. Inhospitable terrain, miserable conditions and horrendous casualties were characteristic of the campaign, which ended with the withdrawal of allied troops.

The campaign marked the first major battle undertaken by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) and is considered a landmark in the development of the Australian identity. Anzac Day, April 25, remains a deeply significant commemoration, honouring the military service, suffering and sacrifice of those involved.

The coin’s reverse depicts an Australian soldier, or ‘digger’, wearing First World War militaryissue. The background incorporates a printed historical image of Anzac Cove.