2024 Australian Wedge Tailed Eagle 10th Anniversary 10oz Silver Proof Coin

Named for its long, distinctively shaped tail, the wedge-tailed eagle is Australia’s largest bird of prey and one of the biggest eagles in the world. With an impressive wingspan of up to 2.5 meters, it can also be recognised from its long, powerful legs which are feathered all the way to its feet.

Wedge-tailed eagles can be observed across mainland Australia and Tasmania in a variety of habitats from coastal to alpine regions.

The birds favour lightly wooded country offering favourable nesting sites from which they have a clear view of their territory and ready access to prey including mammals such as rabbits and hares, as well as lizards, snakes and other birds. With the ability to fly tirelessly for many hours, the majestic wedge-tailed eagle frequently reaches altitudes of 2,000 meters and beyond on thermal air currents rising from Australia’s sunbaked terrain.

No more than 700 of these coins will be released worldwide.

The coin’s reverse depicts eight illustrations of Australia’s largest bird of prey created by renowned US sculptor and engraver John M. Mercanti for Wedge-tailed Eagle coins issued between 2016 and 2024. The reverse includes the inscription ‘AUSTRALIAN WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE’

This is the ninth wedge-tailed eagle design for The Perth Mint by renowned American sculptor and engraver, John M. Mercanti. The 12th Chief Engraver of the US Mint, John Mercanti produced more coin and medal designs than any other employee in the organisation’s history

The coin is housed in a classic display case and is accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity.