1999 $1 Coin - The Last ANZACS

1999 $1 The Last ANZACs Commemorative Coin

This poignant $1 coin was released by the Royal Australian Mint in 1999 to honour the last surviving veterans of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served during the First World War. As the generation that forged the ANZAC legend began to pass into history, this coin was struck as a permanent tribute to their extraordinary service, courage, and the enduring spirit they bequeathed to the nation.

This release is also a significant numismatic milestone, as it was the first Australian $1 coin to feature the fourth definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley.

Key Features and Specifications

• Year of Issue: 1999
• Theme: Tribute to the Last ANZACs
• Reverse Design: Features a moving portrait of an elderly veteran, symbolising the final members of the original ANZACs.
• Obverse Design: The first appearance of the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the $1 denomination.
• Available Mintmarks & Mintages:
  • 'C' Mintmark (Canberra): 126,161 (Gallery Press)
  • 'S' Mintmark (Sydney Royal Show): 53,286
  • 'M' Mintmark (Melbourne Royal Show): 49,841
  • 'B' Mintmark (Brisbane Royal Show): 33,634
  • 'A' Mintmark (Adelaide Royal Show): 28,681
• Composition: Aluminium Bronze
• Legal Tender: Official Australian $1 coin.

Condition and Presentation

Each coin is supplied with its original Royal Australian Mint presentation card, which provides a solemn reflection on the Gallipoli campaign and the legacy of the ANZACs.

Condition Note:

• Packaging: The original coin cards may be supplied folded and remain in good condition, though they may show signs of wear consistent with their age.
• Coin Character: As typical for aluminium-bronze coins from the late 1990s, some specimens may exhibit natural toning, which adds a unique vintage character to the piece.
• Preservation: To ensure long-term protection, some coins may be transferred to archival-quality Mylar coin flips if the original plastic housing has become compromised.