Description

To mark the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Khanh, one of Australia’s last battles during the Vietnam War, the Royal Australian Mint has released a new commemorative coin.

The Battle of Long Khanh (6–7 June 1971) was fought during the Vietnam War between elements of 1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF) and the Viet Cong (VC) and People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) during Operation Overlord. The fighting saw Australian infantry from 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR) attack a heavily fortified communist base camp in Long Khanh Province, while Centurion tanks providing close support crushed many bunkers and their occupants. Regardless, the VC fought hard to delay the Australian advance and although the bunker system was subsequently captured, along with a second system further south, the Australians suffered a number of casualties and the loss of a UH-1 Iroquois helicopter. With the Australians unable to concentrate sufficient combat power to achieve a decisive result, the bulk of the VC/PAVN force successfully withdrew intact, although they probably sustained heavy casualties in the process.

Obverse

6th crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right (the Commonwealth effigy), wearing the George IV State Diadem, the Coronation Necklace and Earrings.

The portrait by Jody Clark with the shoulders has been made for use on the coins of the Crown dependencies, British Overseas Territories and countries of the Commonwealth. The Jody Clark portrait without the shoulders (UK 5th portrait) is for exclusive use on coins of the United Kingdom.

The George IV State Diadem, officially the Diamond Diadem, is a type of crown that was made in 1820 for King George IV. The diadem is worn by queens and queens consort in procession to coronations and State Openings of Parliament. The piece of jewellery has been featured in paintings and on stamps and currency. It can be seen in the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

The Coronation Necklace was Made for Queen Victoria in 1858 by Garrard & Co., it is 38 cm (15 in) long and consists of 25 cushion diamonds and the 22-carat (4.4 g) Lahore Diamond as a pendant. It has been used together with the Coronation Earrings by queens regnant and consort at every coronation since 1901.

Designer: Jody Clark

ELIZABETH II
AUSTRALIA 2021
JC

Reverse

Depicts an Australian Centurian tank in the jungles of Vietnam, an Iroquois helicopter above and a soldier holding a rifle to the right.

The Centurion was the primary British Army main battle tank of the post-World War II period. The Centurion later served with the Royal Australian Armoured Corps in Vietnam.

The Bell UH-1 Iroquois (nicknamed "Huey") is a utility military helicopter powered by a single turboshaft engine, with two-bladed main and tail rotors. The first member of the prolific Huey family, it was developed by Bell Helicopter to meet a 1952 US Army requirement for a medical evacuation and utility helicopter, and first flew in 1956. Iroquois helicopters of No. 9 Squadron RAAF were deployed to South Vietnam in mid 1966 in support of the 1st Australian Task Force.

Designer: Aaron Baggio

YS 507938
50
The BATTLE of
LONG KHANH

Edge

50 Cents

6th portrait

Last Battles of the Vietnam War
50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Khánh

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KM#
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Cupronickel
Weight 15.55 g
Diameter 31.51 mm
Thickness 3 mm
Shape polygon
Sides 12
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Australian Mint (RAM)

Related coins

6th portrait, 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Battle of Núi Lé

Last Battles of the Vietnam War

Cupronickel, 15.55 g, ⌀ 31.51 mm