Wednesday 30 November 2005
MEDIA RELEASE
PERTH MINT PGA CHAMPIONSHIP CENTENARY COIN TEES OFF
The Perth Mint has released an Australian legal tender coin celebrating the centenary of Australia's oldest golf tournament for professional players.
The Australian PGA Championship, first held in 1905, has been won by the cream of home-grown talent, including Peter Thomson and Greg Norman, as well as international stars such as Gary Player and Seve Ballesteros. Australian professional Peter Lonard defends the title at the centenary event, which tees off tomorrow (December 1 - 4) at the Hyatt Regency Coolum course in Queensland.
Authorised by PGA Australia, the Centenary of the Australian PGA Championship 1905-2005 coin is struck by The Perth Mint from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality. Its design, which depicts a golfer and a golf ball, includes the Australian PGA centenary logo in colour and the inscription The start of a new era.
The Perth Mint's historic 'P' mintmark, which first appeared in 1899, also appears on the reverse. The coin's obverse depicts Ian Rank-Broadley's effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
"This official commemorative coin, which celebrates the PGA Championship's historic milestone, should appeal strongly to collectors of coins and sporting memorabilia," PGA Australia CEO Max Garske said. "The extremely limited mintage makes it especially appealing to those who seek rarities."
Just 7,500 coins will be released by The Perth Mint, each accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity. Each coin, which is housed in a white presentation case and shipper portraying the Australian PGA centenary logo in colour, comes with an additional bonus for golf fans in the shape of a ball-marker depicting the Mint's swan logo.
Priced at just AU$69, The Perth Mint's PGA 1oz silver proof coin is available from the Mint by calling toll free on 1800 098 817, through The Perth Mint Shop located at 310 Hay Street, East Perth, Australia Post outlets, select coin dealers, and on the web at www.perthmint.com.au
Picture editors: Images of the PGA Centenary Coin can be downloaded from www.perthmint.com.au/gc/distributors/images.asp
For further information: Veronica Maguire, General Manager - Minted Products, The Perth Mint Telephone (08) 9421 7252 Email [email protected]