Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver
The coin is struck by The Perth Mint from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality.
Tobruk Reverse Design
The coin’s reverse depicts an Australian soldier, or ‘Rat of Tobruk’, wearing Second World War Western Desert Campaign military issue. The background incorporates a printed historical image of soldiers at Tobruk, and the inscription TOBRUK 1941. The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark is also included into the design.
Australian Legal Tender
Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the coin’s obverse depicts the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the monetary denomination.
Limited Mintage
No more than 5,000 of these coins will be issued by The Perth Mint.
Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
The coin is issued with a specially designed numbered Certificate of Authenticity which features photographs and a history of the campaign.
Presentation Packaging
The coin is presented in a prestigious display case and themed shipper.
The famous ‘Rats of Tobruk’ are acknowledged in The Perth Mint’s outstanding commemoration to this famous battle.
The Battle of Tobruk was a lengthy confrontation between Axis and Allied forces in North Africa during the Western Desert Campaign of the Second World War. The siege started on 11 April 1941, when Tobruk was attacked by an Italian-German force under Lieutenant General Rommel and continued for 240 days.
The siege was only a couple of months old when the renegade Lord Haw Haw, broadcasting from Berlin, said the Allies were "caught like rats in a trap". The Allied soldiers accepted the title with alacrity and became the renowned ‘Rats of Tobruk’.
Previous Release: Gallipoli
Forthcoming Releases: Kokoda, Kapyong, Long Tan