FEDERAL Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce said Australia’s newest coloured circulating coin is being released as part of the Royal Australian Mint’s Official Anzac Centenary Coin Program where a collection of commemorative coins capture the history, service and sacrifice of Australians at war.

The newest coloured coin entered public circulation today [Monday 20 April 2015], and is only the fourth coloured coin to ever enter circulation in Australia.

Mr Joyce said the Anzac Centenary is one of the most significant periods of commemorations for Australia so it is fitting to see this theme on a coin at this poignant time.

“There will be approximately one and a half million coins released into circulation over the coming weeks which will provide an opportunity for the public to be able to secure a keepsake for the Centenary without having to purchase one,” Mr Joyce said.

“The poppy red colour print which features on the coin makes it even more special and symbolic attracting the public’s attention and encouraging them to find out more about the significance and commemoration of those who served and made sacrifices for our country.”

Mr Joyce said the Centenary of the Gallipoli landings and the service of young men and women from the New England Electorate would continue to resonate right through the electorate.

Both his grandfathers served during World War One. His maternal grandfather, who was in the New Zealand army, arrived on the Gallipoli shore on April 25, 1915 and was among the last to leave on the night of December 19 and 20.

Mr Joyce said the special coin, designed and produced by the Royal Australian Mint, depicts a centrally sculpted and emotive design. It features poppies, symbolic of remembrance, amongst crosses used to honour the fallen and mark the graves of unknown heroes. Inspired by the poppy, the distinctive and powerful red coloured print encapsulates the solemn words ‘Lest We Forget’.