2018 50c Coin - The Western Front - Villers-Bretonneux

2018 50c Coin: The Western Front – Villers-Bretonneux

This 2018 50c Coin is the fifth release in the six-coin Western Front series, part of the Royal Australian Mint’s popular ANZAC Centenary program. It commemorates the crucial Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux in 1918, where Australian troops played a pivotal role in ending the three-year trench warfare stalemate.

In March 1918, German troops launched their 'Spring Offensive' toward Amiens. The town of Villers-Bretonneux became a vital target. On 24–25 April, Australian troops of the 13th and 15th Brigades made an unconventional night assault, successfully driving the German troops out. This victory allowed the Allies to launch a successful counter-offensive, which ultimately led to the end of the fighting on the Western Front.

Key Features and Specifications

• Series: The fifth release in the six-coin Western Front series (ANZAC Centenary program).
• Commemoration: Honours the Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux (April 1918), a crucial Australian victory that turned the tide of the war.
• Unique Design: The coin’s reverse features an artistic representation of Australian soldiers at a machine gun post on Hill 104.
• Quality: Finished to the Royal Australian Mint’s quality uncirculated standard.
• Obverse: Features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II sculpted by Ian Rank-Broadley.
• Presentation: Packaged in a display card with historical information about the battle.
• Legal Tender: Australian legal tender.