Every year, on the second Monday in March, members of the Commonwealth of Nations come together to celebrate Commonwealth Day—a day dedicated to honouring the shared values, history, and aspirations of the Commonwealth’s 56 member states. For Australia, this day provides an opportunity to reflect on our place within the global community, and our role as a proud and active member of the Commonwealth.
The significance of Commonwealth Day
Highlighted by an address from the Head of the Commonwealth, and flag-raising ceremonies around the world, Commonwealth Day is a reminder of the long-standing historical and cultural connections between member nations. It serves as a platform to promote shared ideals, including democracy, peace and co-operation. Australia continues to observe and commemorate these ideals, which are reflected in various aspects of national life – including its coinage.
Australia’s role in the Commonwealth
Australia is proud to be a founding member of the modern Commonwealth, and a leading player in Commonwealth activities. One of the largest contributors to the Commonwealth budget, Australia has played a key role in Commonwealth organisations and programs. Australia’s active and enthusiastic participation in Commonwealth initiatives is exemplified by our involvement in the creation of the Commonwealth Charter, which details the ideals underpinning the Commonwealth – human rights, the rule of law and democracy.
Importantly, these ideals are promoted by the quadrennial Commonwealth Games. Australia has been a dominant force in the Commonwealth Games, not only on the field of play, but also in hosting the event in 1938 (Sydney), 1962 (Perth), 1982 (Brisbane), 2006 (Melbourne) and 2018 (Gold Coast). Indeed, Australia has hosted the Games on more occasions than any other country, and our central role in this prestigious international event further cements our pre-eminent position within this key global association.
The Commonwealth and Australian coinage…
Since national currency was introduced in 1910, Australian coins have carried the portrait of the reigning monarch – symbolising Australia’s powerful bond with Great Britain, and our constitutional ties to the Commonwealth. Above and beyond this ongoing acknowledgment of Australia’s commitment to the British Crown and the Commonwealth of Nations, Australian coinage also includes a significant number of Commonwealth-related commemoratives – including many Commonwealth Games tributes!
Brisbane 1982 Commonwealth Games
To celebrate Australia’s hosting of the 1982 Commonwealth Games, in Brisbane, two landmark commemoratives were issued. Bearing designs created by numismatic master craftsman, Stuart Devlin, who designed Australia’s first decimal coins, the 1982 Commonwealth Games 50c and Commonwealth Games $10 are important, much-admired types. Available in both Proof and Uncirculated quality, the $10 is notable as Australia’s first $10 coin!
Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games
The Royal Australian Mint went to the next level to celebrate the Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games. Not only did the RAM create three aluminium-bronze $5 Uncirculated coins, and a spectacular Silver Proof $5, it broke new ground with the creation of Australia’s first gold, silver & copper Trimetallic $50 coin!
Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games
In 2006, the Commonwealth Games returned to Australia, being hosted by Melbourne for the first time. In honour of the occasion, the Royal Australian Mint issued the 2005 Commonwealth Games Student Design 50c, a unique M Mintmark 2006 Commonwealth Games $1, three $5 commemoratives (two in aluminium-bronze & one in silver) as well as the nation’s third gold, silver & copper Trimetallic $50!
Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games
Australia’s strong connection to the Commonwealth was once again highlighted when we hosted the 2018 Commonwealth Games, and once again issued coins to celebrate! A broad range of Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games commemoratives were issued in gold and silver, as well as a special 7-coin set. This comprised four not-issued-for-circulation $1 coins, as well as three full-colour $2 coins!
Australia – host of CHOGM
In addition to our key role in the Commonwealth as host of the Commonwealth Games on more occasions than any other country, Australia has also hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting on three occasions – 1981 (Melbourne), 2002 (Coolum) and 2011 (Perth). Illustrating the continuing connection between Australia, the Commonwealth and coinage, Australia issued the unique, one-year-only 2011 CHOGM $1 to celebrate the third occasion we hosted the event.
As Australia continues to evolve within the Commonwealth, our currency will remain a testament to our shared history – honouring the past while embracing the future. Through officially sanctioned coinage, struck by the Royal Australian Mint, numismatics plays a key role in preserving and commemorating Australia’s place in this remarkable global community.
At Downies Collectables, we take pride in offering a broad array of Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth-related coins. Whether you're an experienced collector or just starting out in the field, there’s something for everyone at Downies!