Battle of Cocos The First Australian Naval Battle Commemorative Coin
Battle of Cocos Commemorative Coin
A unique 65mm gold-plated commemorative honours HMAS Sydney’s victory in the Battle of Cocos Islands. Limited to 599, it captures heroic details with historic precision.
This exclusive Battle of Cocos Commemorative Coin from The Bradford Exchange features:
- Striking 65mm size, layered in rich 24-carat gold
- Finely etched, heroic detail honours HMAS Sydney’s victory
- Limited edition—only 599 worldwide, a rare collector's piece
S&H: $19.99
Available in 5 instalments of $69.99
Comes with our famous 365-day guarantee
In 1914, during the Battle of Cocos Islands, the HMAS Sydney made Australian naval history by defeating the German raider SMS Emden. Commanded by Captain Karl von Müller, the Emden was a feared threat across the Indian Ocean, responsible for sinking 27 allied ships. Despite facing a faster and more powerful opponent, Captain von Müller refused to surrender, running his heavily damaged vessel aground on North Keeling Island. His resolve was met by HMAS Sydney’s continued bombardment until the Emden was destroyed. The German raider left behind a trail of destruction, including an assault on the Direction Island communications station, where a German raiding party demolished vital equipment. Some of the raiding party escaped capture by commandeering a yacht, ultimately making a remarkable 12,000km journey to Constantinople. The HMAS Sydney's victory was pivotal, marking the Royal Australian Navy’s first major engagement and symbolising Australia’s growing naval strength.
This exquisite, limited-edition commemorative honours the HMAS Sydney’s valour and historic victory. Measuring an impressive 65mm in diameter, the golden piece features finely etched details of the Sydney as it advances into battle, flanked by a Royal Crown emblem signifying the engagement. It also includes a replica segment of a Mexican peso, referencing the 6,429 silver Mexican dollars salvaged from the Emden. These coins were originally used by Germany to trade with its Chinese colony in Tsingtao. After the battle, some of these pesos were mounted by a Sydney jeweller and presented to the crew of HMAS Sydney as unofficial medals of bravery. With only 599 pieces available worldwide, this commemorative is a lasting tribute to a defining moment in Australian naval history, celebrating courage, resilience, and the spirit of the young Australian navy. Order now!
Features
This exclusive Battle of Cocos Commemorative Coin from The Bradford Exchange features:
- Generously sized with a 65mm diameter, crafted to scale and shown in actual size.
- Weighs approximately 110 grams, offering a substantial and enduring piece.
- Layered in 24-carat gold, lending a luxurious and timeless finish.
- Limited edition of only 599 pieces worldwide, ensuring exclusivity for collectors.
- Reverse side features intricately etched details of HMAS Sydney, depicted in action to mark its historic victory.
- Flanked by a detailed Royal Crown emblem symbolising the battle engagement.
- Includes a segment inspired by the 6,429 Mexican pesos recovered from the SMS Emden, used as tribute to the bravery of HMAS Sydney’s crew.
- Obverse side displays a portrait of His Majesty King Charles III, celebrating heritage and honour.
