2018 50c Uncirculated Coin - Coral & Balmoral - Battle of the Fire Support Bases

2018 50c Uncirculated Coin: Coral & Balmoral – Battle of the Fire Support Bases

This 2018 50c Uncirculated Coin commemorates one of the most significant and costly actions fought by the Australian Army in the Vietnam War: the Battles of Fire Support Bases (FSB) Coral and Balmoral in May 1968.

During the "Mini-Tet" offensive, the 1st Australian Task Force established Fire Support Bases to counter the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces. FSB Coral was attacked several times between 13 and 22 May, and FSB Balmoral was attacked on 26 and 27 May. When the fighting ended, 25 Australian soldiers had died and over 100 were wounded. This coin honours their courage and sacrifice.

Key Features and Specifications

• Commemoration: Honours the Battles of FSB Coral and Balmoral (May 1968), a major action of the Vietnam War.
• Unique Design: The coin's reverse features a depiction of two soldiers manning a M2A2 Howitzer, along with a Centurion tank and an Iroquois helicopter, illustrating the combined arms support used during the defence of the bases.
• Quality: Finished to the Royal Australian Mint's quality uncirculated standard.
• Obverse: Features the effigy of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II sculpted by Ian Rank-Broadley.
• Presentation: Packaged in a display card with historical information about the battles.
• Legal Tender: Australian legal tender.