Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Uncirculated Coins
By CAA | Monday, 23 December 2024
To celebrate the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, The Royal Australian Mint issued a themed coin collection each event competitions.
The 50 cents coins were released progressively up to the commencement of the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games to represent both the spirit of the Games and each of the 16 Commonwealth Games sports.
The Royal Australian Mint is honoured to release these coins in this wonderful collection.
Australians are a nation of sports lovers and I am sure there will be something here for everyone. In addition, the 50 cent piece is very popular amongst Australians and for serious collectors this set will be an added bonus.
- Vivienne Thom, controller of The Royal Australian Mint
During the games, Australia won the most medals with, 84 gold, 69 silver and 69 bronze medals. Second best country was england with a total of 110 medals.
Melbourne previously hosted the 1956 Olympics. During the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2 cities initially expressed interest in hosting the event; Melbourne, Australia and Wellington, New Zealand. Wellington withdrew its bid, citing the costs involved with matching the bid plan presented by Melbourne, which became the default host without members of the Federation going to vote.
The games were happening between March 15 and 26, 2006.
The uncirculated coins were made in cupronickel (75% copper and 25$ nickel), with a size of 31.5 mm and they weight 15.55 g.
Aquatics
Mintage: 31,702
Athletics
Mintage: 22,475
Badminton
Mintage: 22,270
Basketball
Mintage: 21,994
Boxing
Mintage: 22,602
Cycling
Mintage: 22,861
Gymnastics
Mintage: 25,574
Hockey
Mintage: 21,761
Lawn Bowling
Mintage: 22,602
Netball
Mintage: 22,432
Rugby
Mintage: 24,427
Shooting
Mintage: 21,070
Squash
Mintage: 21,902
Table Tennis
Mintage: 22,502
Triathlon
Mintage: 22,302
Weightlifting
Mintage: 22,332
A three coin set was also made featuring:
- Gold, Silver and Bronze tricolour proof coin composed of a gold plated silver centre containing the Melbourne 2006 logo, a decorative silver middle ring and bronze coloured outer ring containing the sub graphics of all 16 sports being competed at the games
- $5 City of sport Fine Silver proof coin depicting the Melbourne city landscape along the famous Yarra River which flows through the city's heart
- Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Nations $5 Uncirculated Coin depicting key elements of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games logo representing the competing nations at the Games along with the image of the Queen's crown at its centre
The Queen's Baton Relay coin has been designed by renowned Australian designer Peter Soobik. Peter has created a striking design which incorporates the unique Queen's Baton as well as the well-known Melbourne landmark the Princess Bridge.
The Royal Australian Mint is to be congratulated on the Melbourne 2006 Coin Program initiative. The coins have been crafted with the greatest of care and are outstanding examples of the Royal Australian Mint's exceptionally high standards.
This is just one of the many ways the Australian Government is contributing to the overall success of the Games. The Australian Government is providing a package valued at over $290 million in direct financial assistance and provisions of services to support the Games.
- Senator Rod Kemp, Minister for the Arts and Sport
