The Perth Mint of Australia has minted silver and gold commemorative coins celebrating the World Youth Day 2008, the largest youth event in the world organized by the Catholic Church and held in Sydney from July 15-20, 2008.
Hundreds of thousands of participants will celebrate at the event along with his Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, who will be visiting Australia for the first time.
To commemorate the XXIII World Youth Day, the Mint created a set of limited edition one ounce silver and gold coins depicting the Pope. The coins are now available for sale and two have already been given in a ceremony to Cardinal George Pell, Archbishop of Sydney.
The Catholic News Agency reported on the ceremony and commemorative Australian coins and presenter Perth Mint CEO Ed Harbuz was quoted as saying:
"The Perth Mint is delighted to present His Eminence with our Vatican-approved 1oz Gold Proof Coin and a 1oz Silver Proof Coin.
"World Youth Day is a momentous occasion in the history of Australia and the Catholic Church and we hope that our range of commemorative coins will help to keep the memory alive for years to come."
Short news video clip of presentation and coins
A very short news media video showing the coins presented to Cardinal George Pell, a comment from him and some nice, but quick, close ups of the coins may be seen by following, Pope to appear on Australian money (video no longer available).
World Youth Day 2008 commemorative silver and gold coin pricing and specifications
| Silver Coin | Gold Coin | |
| Mintage | 25,000 | 1,000 |
| Design | Obverse: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Reverse: His Holiness The Pope |
Obverse: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II |
| Quality | Proof | Proof |
| Composition | 99.9% Pure Silver | 99.99% Pure Gold |
| Face Value | $1, legal tender | $100, legal tender |
| Price | $86.37 (AUS) $79.95 (US) |
$1,772.73 (AUS) $1,641.02 (US) |
Order information and details
The coins may be ordered through the Perth Mint website and are showcased on its home page.
The CoinNews page, Australian Coin Price Guide: Information, Prices and Coin Photos by the Perth Mint, also contains these images, additional information and direct links to each coin.
