Collect limited edition coins
First free with your Sunday Mail tomorrow
IT’S been the fair and just way to start a sports match for centuries — tossing a coin. And what better way to start Hyundai A-League soccer matches across the country this weekend than with the toss of a coin from the official Anzac Spirit Coin Collection, produced by the Royal Australian Mint for News Corp Australia.
This November 11 marks the centenary of Armistice Day and the end of WWI, and as the significant anniversary approaches, News Corp Australia commemorates the strength and spirit of the Anzacs with a limited-edition 15-day coin collection for readers, launching this weekend around the country.
The game of soccer’s connection with the military stretches back to World War I, when British and German soldiers played during the Christmas Day truce in 1914 in a Flanders field on the Western Front.
The Football Federation Australia said using a coin from the Anzac Spirit Coin Collection during each coin toss this weekend was part of the organisation’s commitment to recognise the brave men and women who have served their country, and highlight their upcoming Remembrance Round matches.
“It’s a great privilege to be able to pay our respects and recognise the brave contributions of the men and women who have served Australia,” said Brisbane Roar player Eric Bautheac.
“The club really enjoys the opportunity to play across Remembrance Round.
“It will be a great chance to reflect on and be grateful for the sacrifice that allows us to live freely and play the sport we love.”
Officially unveiled at the Australian War Memorial on Thursday, each coin is labelled for one of the characteristics of the Hall of Memory’s famed stained-glass windows, representing the virtues that make up the men and women who fought — and continue to fight — for Australia’s freedom.
The first of 15 coins, together with a unique collector’s album, are free with The Sunday Mail tomorrow. A different coin will then be released daily for two weeks, costing $3 with The Chronicle.
All are legal tender, and for the first time, the collection will include 50-cent pieces. The release of the coin collection coincides with initiatives including the recently launched #ThanksForServing campaign. For more information on the Anzac coins visit anzaccoincollection.com.au and for details on Remembrance Round visit aleague.com.au.