2026 50c CuNi Uncirculated Coin – 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong

The Royal Australian Mint presents this 2026 50c Uncirculated Coin to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong (22-27 April 1951). The battle was a significant chapter of Australia’s involvement in the Korean War (1950-1953), the so-called ‘forgotten war’.      

In April 1951, Chinese forces allied with North Korea launched an offensive with the aim of recapturing Seoul, the South Korean capital. The 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR) mounted a stalwart defence against Chinese forces at Kapyong, approximately 60 kilometres north-east of Seoul. The United Nations forces also included the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (2PPCLI), a British infantry battalion, New Zealand artillery, and US tanks and mortars. Thanks to these combined efforts, China was forced to withdraw, and Seoul remained in South Korean possession.                 

Following on from the Mint’s previous commemorations of the Korean War, this coin release pays tribute to a critical battle in the conflict. The floral pattern at the base of the design is inspired by traditional Korean lattice frames, and includes 32 poppies to commemorate each of the 32 Australian soldiers who lost their lives in the battle.    

KEY FEATURES           

• Coin reverse features a design by Mint coin designer Bronwyn Scott, commemorating the Battle of Kapyong
• Coin obverse features the Daniel Thorne effigy of His Majesty King Charles III
• Struck to the Mint’s uncirculated finish
• Packaged in a protective capsule and presentation card, which features images from the Australian War Memorial collection
• Limited mintage of 40,000