2012 ANZAC Day Stamp and Coin Cover

ANZAC Day is a day on which we honour all those who gave their lives in the service of their country.  This year’s tribute salutes the nurses who have served, and continue to serve, in the Australian Defence Force.

These nurses have dealt with the face-to-face realities of war – the sick, the wounded, the dead and dying.  They have served within Australia and in war zones across the world.  They have worked behind the lines in field hospitals, on hospital ships and transports.  In many cases, they have suffered the same deprivations as their patients, and sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.

Issued as Australian legal tender under the Currency Act 1965, the coin’s obverse portrays the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the 2012 year-date.

The design on this uncirculated $1 coin portrays nurses from both World Wars and a patient receiving care. A bugler in silhouette, the inscription LEST WE FORGET and the date of ANZAC Day, APRIL 25, are also included in the design.

Affixed to the envelope is an official Australia Post stamp.  The stamp is postmarked for the first day of issue and includes Australia Post’s Seal of Authenticity and official number.

The Australian Army’s Rising Sun badge has evolved through seven design iterations since it was introduced in 1902.  The design is based on the Hutton Trophy, a trophy of arms comprising seven cut-and-thrust swords alternating with six Martini Henri bayonets, all radiating from a brass crown.  The badge depicted on the stamp on this cover is the third iteration. Approved in May 1904, it was worn by Australian Imperial Forces personnel, including its nurses, through both World Wars. 

The commemorative coin is housed in a specially designed card that fits inside an illustrated envelope which displays a circular window to reveal the coin’s reverse and obverse designs.