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Focussing on five notable engagements that changed the course of history, The Perth Mint’s Famous Battles Series portrays battlefield scenes spanning more than two millennia.
First Release - Battle of Thermopylae 480 BC
The Battle of Thermopylae was fought in a narrow pass in northern Greece between the invading Persian Empire under King Xerxes and a vastly outnumbered alliance of Greek city-states commanded by King Leonidas of Sparta. With 300 bodyguards, the Spartan King led the defence of the pass for three days, inflicting enormous losses on the elite corps of the Persian army. The task became impossible, however, when a Greek traitor revealed a mountain track above the pass to one of Xerxes’ commanders. Subsequently encircled by the Persian army, the Spartans and their allies fought valiantly to the death. The courageous last stand by Leonidas inspired the united Greeks to ultimate victory in ensuing battles, thereby securing the rise of classical Greece, with its innovative ideas on politics, philosophy and the arts.
Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver
The coin is struck from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality.
Coloured Reverse Design
The coin’s reverse, which includes The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark, portrays a coloured image of Spartan warriors in classic phalanx formation. Struck elements of the design depict a Spartan warrior wearing a protective Corinthian helmet and metal cuirass, or breastplate, and a sword.
Australian Legal Tender
Issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of Tuvalu, the coin bears the Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on its obverse.
Presentation Packaging
Each coin is housed in a presentation display case and superbly illustrated shipper.
Extremely Limited Mintage
The Perth Mint will release no more than 5,000 of these coins.
Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
Each coin is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
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