The Perth Mint 2021 July Coin Bulletin | Page 10

“ I asked myself , how could I use the same subject that ’ s been used before but depict it differently and make it interesting ?”
John M . Mercanti , sculptor and engraver
John was certainly no stranger to designing eagles for numismatics . This would be his sixth wedge-tailed eagle for The Perth Mint , after all . But his connection to the creature spanned over three decades — in 1986 , with “ the coin that started it all .” The American Eagle silver coin , for the US Mint .
A landmark release in US history , considered by many to be one of the most beautifully designed coins in the world .
Now , a new eagle to create . A symbol of freedom , spirit , vision , and strength — a wealth of inspiration to draw upon for his new design .
He smiled as he settled on a swooping posture for the bird , with a snake in its talons . An enduring icon of good overcoming evil , minted on a concave surface in ultra-high relief .
The Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle coin . Crafted to collect .
9 perthmint . com / Eagle