1 Dollar - Elizabeth II (6th Portrait - Australian Wedge-Tailed Eagle - Silver Proof - High Relief)

The 2020 Australian Wedge-Tailed Eagle silver proof coin was issued by the Perth Mint as part of an ongoing series celebrating one of Australia’s most iconic birds of prey. This specific high-relief edition was struck in one ounce of .999 fine silver, designed to emphasize the sculptural detail of the eagle’s form against a mirrored field. The series serves as a testament to the nation’s wildlife, blending traditional minting techniques with advanced relief technology to create a sense of depth not found in standard circulating coinage.

The reverse design is the work of renowned American sculptor John Mercanti, the twelfth Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. Mercanti’s vision focused on the majestic presence of the wedge-tailed eagle, depicted here in a powerful mid-flight posture that showcases the artist's expertise in anatomical realism and texture. The obverse features Jody Clark’s sixth portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, which has become the definitive likeness for Australian legal tender issued during the final years of her reign. The piece was well-received by collectors for its artistic collaboration between an American numismatic master and an Australian sovereign institution.