The 2022-P Australia 1 oz Silver Wedge-Tailed Eagle is a modern masterpiece of numismatic artistry, struck by the world-renowned Perth Mint in .9999 pure silver.
This pristine specimen has been awarded the perfect grade of Mint State 70 (MS70) by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) and features the highly coveted "First Releases" designation. Adding immense collectors' value, the coin is housed in a specialized NGC holder featuring an authentic, hand-signed signature label from its legendary designer, John M. Mercanti, the 12th Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. Capturing a landmark legal tender release from the peak of contemporary bullion collecting, this flawless example represents a premier acquisition for registry set enthusiasts and collectors of world silver coinage.
Composition: Contains 1 troy ounce of .9999 pure silver, representing the highest standard of metallurgical purity produced by sovereign mints.
Striking Quality: Certified in flawless Mint State 70 (MS70) condition by NGC, indicating a perfect strike completely free of post-production imperfections, scuffs, or hairline marks even under 5x magnification.
Obverse: Displays the definitive, right-facing effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II designed by Jody Clark, flanked by the inscriptions "ELIZABETH II" and "AUSTRALIA." The lower rim displays its legal tender denomination of "1 DOLLAR."
Reverse: Features a stunning, close-up side profile of Australia's largest bird of prey, the wedge-tailed eagle, meticulously detailed with sharp feather textures and an intense gaze. Inscriptions include "AUSTRALIAN WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE," the "P" mint mark of the Perth Mint, and the date, weight, and purity across the lower border.
Edge: Reeded with sharp, uniform vertical serrations consistent with state-of-the-art modern minting technology.
The Perth Mint Eagle Series & The Mercanti Legacy
First introduced in 2014, the Australian Wedge-Tailed Eagle series represented a historic, first-of-its-kind collaboration between the sovereign Perth Mint and a former United States Mint Chief Engraver. John Mercanti's 2022 rendition showcases a masterful close-up portrait, capturing the fierce spirit and anatomical precision of the iconic raptor. Because the series introduces a fresh eagle design dynamically changing across specific years, it has evolved into a global numismatic sensation.
The 2022 release carries profound historical significance as one of the final annual iterations to feature the historic obverse portrait of Queen Elizabeth II before her passing later that same year. Securing a flawless MS70 grade within the strict "First Releases" window meaning the coin was received by NGC within 30 days of its official release guarantees that this specimen was struck from the earliest, crispest die states. Enhanced by Mercanti's authentic signature on the insert, this coin blends pure silver bullion utility with elite tier numismatic rarity.