2000 $1 Uncirculated Coin - HMAS Sydney II

2000 $1 HMAS Sydney II Commemorative Coin

This $1 coin was released by the Royal Australian Mint in 2000 to memorialise the tragic loss of the HMAS Sydney II and her crew. On 19 November 1941, the light cruiser was engaged in a fierce battle with the German auxiliary cruiser Kormoran off the coast of Western Australia. The ship was lost with all 645 crew members—the greatest loss of life in the history of the Royal Australian Navy.

This coin serves as a poignant tribute to those who perished, issued eight years before the ship's wreckage was finally discovered in 2008.

Key Features and Specifications

• Year of Issue: 2000
• Theme: Memorial to the HMAS Sydney II (1941)
• Reverse Design: Features a detailed depiction of the HMAS Sydney II at sea.
• Obverse Design: Features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
• Available Mintmarks:
• 'C' Mintmark (Canberra): Total mintage of 71,367
• 'S' Mintmark (Sydney Royal Easter Show): Total mintage of 34,277
• Composition: Aluminium Bronze
• Legal Tender: Official Australian $1 coin.

Condition and Presentation

The coins are housed in their original Royal Australian Mint presentation cards, which include historical context regarding the ship's service and the battle with the Kormoran.

Condition Note:

• The coins remain in uncirculated condition, though some natural toning may be present due to the age of the aluminium-bronze composition.
• The presentation cards are generally clean but may show minor shelf wear or be supplied folded.
• To ensure long-term preservation, coins may be transferred to archival-quality Mylar flips if the original plastic housing has become compromised.