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In 2014, John Mercanti and the Perth Mint made numismatic history as the former Chief Engraver of the United States Mint collaborated with the Perth Mint on the new 2014 Wedge-Tailed Eagle gold and silver proofs. The new issue marked the first time that a US Mint engraver designed a coin for a foreign mint.
Some have classified the Wedge-Tailed Eagle Series as Australia's iteration of America's Silver Eagle coins. It is no surprise that the Perth Mint turned to John Mercanti, the man who created the eagle design that has appeared on the American Silver Eagle since its inception, as its designer for this series.
Over the past 10 years since its inception, John Mercanti has masterfully created 9 different depictions of the Wedge Tailed Eagle, ranging from a family of eagles (2018), an eagle with prey in his talons (2021), and even a close-up side profile of the eagle’s head (2022). Through all variations, one thing remains consistent – a quality design from a master engraver. In 2024, we celebrate the 10th Anniversary with a beautiful soaring eagle design, and a special obverse to commemorate the design where it all started in 2014.
The Perth Mint introduced their first ever 3oz Silver specification in 2022 with the Koala series. Now in 2024, the Wedge-Tailed Eagle is featuring its first ever 3oz Silver size!
Each coin is certified by NGC as First Day of Issue. To qualify for First Day of Issue, coins must be purchased within one day of the first day that a mint makes a new coin issue available for sale and must be received by NGC or an NGC-approved depository within one week of the release date.
Each NGC label features the Australian Flag and has been hand-signed by John Mercanti. Over the past 10 years since its inception, John Mercanti has masterfully created 9 different depictions of the Wedge-Tailed Eagle, ranging from a family of eagles (2018), an eagle with prey in his talons (2021), and even a close-up side profile of the eagle's head (2022). Through all variations, one thing remains consistent — a quality design from a master engraver.
Having produced over 100 coin and medal designs for the US Mint, former 12th U.S. Mint Chief Engraver John Mercanti is considered to be a legend by most. He is most well known for his Silver Eagle design, which is the world's most widely traded and collected modern silver coin and most popular modern U.S. precious metal coin that has been struck at least 600 million times.
Year of Issue | 2024 |
Strike Type | Proof |
Certification | NGC |
Grade | PF70 UCAM |
Mintmark | P125 - Perth Mint 125th Anniversary |
Label | Australian Flag Label |
Pedigree | First Day of Issue |
Denomination | $3 |
Composition | .9999 gold, .9999 silver |
Diameter | 50 mm |
Edge | Reeded |
Weight | 3 troy oz (93.3104 grams) |