Friday, March 31,2017 thechronicle.com.au NEWSPAPERS IN EDUCATION LIFE 37

SAY WHAT? DID YOU KNOW? In condition At the In excellent condition, as if new. there is a staircase filled with NiE five cent .

COMMEMORATING COINS | Part Five ABOUT COINS Queen rules IN MINT CONDITION YOU don’t have to be a genius to know that when you flip a , it will either come up heads or tails. But did you know, it is mandated that the obverse or head-side of all Australian coins must be struck with an image of the reigning monarch? Since her coronation in 1953, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, our head of state’s effigy has appeared on the obverse of ’s coinage. Five different designs have been used during Her Majesty’s 64-year reign. All the portraits of Queen Elizabeth II must face to the right in line with a convention that the new Monarch’s portrait would face in a direction opposite to that of their What’s in a coin? predecessor. The reverse or tail-side DO YOU know what the cent, and 50 cent coins are there were bright shiny the cost of its metal content known as toning, when is struck most commonly change in your pocket is made from an alloy of 75% orange to dull dark brown was the 1966 round silver 50 oxygen or sulphur reacts with with the designs made from? copper and 25% nickel. coloured coins made from a cent coin – an alloy of 80% the metal. created for the Unfortunately, the silvery The one dollar and two bronze alloy of 97% copper, silver and 20% copper. ■ The Mint cast the introduction of decimal grey coloured coins are not dollar coins comprise of 92% 2.5% zinc and 0.5% nickel. FAST FACTS: world’s largest gold bullion coins in 1966. made from silver and the copper, 6% aluminium and Inflation and the cost of ■ The difference between coin, the Australian Different pale gold coins are not made 2% nickel. minting the one and two cent the face value of coins and Kangaroo One Tonne Gold commemorative designs of gold. This is because these coins were cited as reasons their production costs is Coin. Its estimated value is have been placed on some At present, all circulating metals cost less than gold or for their withdrawal. known as seigniorage. $54million. circulating coins. Australian coins are made of silver. The only other Australian ■ Regardless of what they ■ The 50 cent coin is the Check out: two different metal alloys. Before being withdrawn decimal coin to be withdrawn are made from, coins heaviest coin in common www.ramint.gov.au/ The five cent, 10 cent, 20 from circulation in early 1992, from circulation because of naturally undergo a process circulation. circulating-coins for more information. COLLECTING COINS Collect coins to commemorate Anzac legends

COMMEMORATIVE coins with The coins represent significant special designs depicting military decorations and are exact Interesting Facts – anniversaries or marking significant replicas of the medals, with stories Distinguished Service Medal events, people or organisations are covering 100 years of the Anzac, produced as pieces for collections. from the First World War to current ■ The Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to members of News Corp Australia is offering an deployment. the Australian Defence Force who demonstrate distinguished exclusive and limited-edition The coin’s backing card explains leadership in war-like operations. Legends of the ANZACS collection the origin of the medal and its ■ Introduced in 1991, it is the second-highest distinguished of coins produced by significance as well as the story of a service decoration in the Australian honours system and has the Royal Australian Mint. recipient of the medal and how they been awarded to 158 recipients. Honouring and recognising the earned it. ■ For repeated acts of outstanding leadership, a Bar is Anzac Centenary commemorative Available for purchase through awarded. period, each coin explores a your newspaper, the coins can be ■ The medal has a Federation Star on a circle of flames. different piece of Australia’s collected at participating ■ Squadron Leader Terry Van Haren, of the Royal Australian Air military history. newsagents from April 9 to April 23. Force, was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal in 2003 for The 14-coin collection includes The first coin, the Victoria Cross, his leadership and performance in action. four unique issued 25 cent coins plus and collector’s album are free on ■ In 2003 Van Haren led Australian F/A-18 aircraft in Iraq where MEDAL OF HONOUR: The Distinguished 10 silver 20 cent coins, each themed day one and the remaining 13 coins he flew 15 combat missions over enemy territory. Service Medal 20 cent . with a different design. will be available for $3 each. PHOTO: THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN MINT

NEXT WEEK: Qld – School holidays, NSW – Bees to honey

For afull list of Anzac Day services and events, please visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/events