RAM COMBO: 2024 $2 ‘C’ Mintmark Coloured Uncirculated Coin – War Animals Remembrance and 2024 50c Coloured Uncirculated Coin in Card - 50th Anniversary of Countdown

The Coin Company is proud to present RAM COMBO: 2024 $2 ‘C’ Mintmark Coloured Uncirculated Coin – War Animals Remembrance and 2024 50c Coloured Uncirculated Coin in Card - 50th Anniversary of Countdown by the Royal Australian Mint.

2024 $2 ‘C’ Mintmark Coloured Uncirculated Coin – War Animals Remembrance

This poignant tribute, adorned with the Royal Australian Mint’s iconic poppy design in purple and bordered by Australia’s war animals, perfectly captures the essence of service and sacrifice shown by the silent but faithful animal companions to Australia’s soldiers in times of war.

Their shared stories are an indelible part of our shared military history.

Animals have long served alongside Australia’s soldiers in times of war. Providing transport and load carrying, acting as messengers and protectors and even as mascots and pets. While most have heard the tale, and honour Simpson and his donkey. Many remain unaware of the silent but essential contributions of the messenger pigeons, camels and horses that served in the First World War or mine and explosive detection dogs in Korea and Vietnam.

Introduced to Australia by the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO) in 2013, the purple poppy is a symbol and poignant reminder of the deeds and bravery shown by these loyal companions of our soldiers. Ensuring the sacrifices of these four-legged and feathered diggers are not forgotten.

2024 $2 ‘C’ Mintmark Coloured Uncirculated Coin – War Animals Remembrance has a limited mintage of 100,000.

2024 50c Coloured Uncirculated Coin in Card - 50th Anniversary of Countdown

Fifty years ago, the first episode of Countdown went to air, introducing Australians to a generation of emerging local and international performers and to the show’s host Ian “Molly” Meldrum.

Countdown and its exposure of emerging local talent was central to the rise of Australian performers such as Kylie Minogue, John Paul Young, Skyhooks, Marcia Hines and Men at Work.

Half a century ago, Countdown, a new music program aired on ABC television, initially on Friday night but subsequently every Sunday evening. Few Australian popular TV shows have attracted such a loyal audience or produced such an enduring impact.

With a brief to promote Australian music, Countdown and its host Ian “Molly” Meldrum oversaw the rise of a succession of talented Aussie bands and performers, names such as AC/DC, Kylie Minogue, John Farnham and Olivia Newton-John.

Countdown also promoted the emerging music videos medium in its regular programming, contributing to the rise of international performers such as Madonna, ABBA and Cyndi Lauper.

After 563 episodes, Countdown ceased on 19 July, 1987, though it was followed by the short-lived Countdown Revolution.

The Royal Australian Mint’s stunning new coloured 50c coin is a fitting tribute to Countdown and all its loyal viewers.

2024 50c Coloured Uncirculated Coin in Card - 50th Anniversary of Countdown has a limited mintage of 50,000.