The Cowra Breakout Golden Proof Coin

“From a tragic past to a peaceful future.” The engraving on “The Cowra Breakout Golden Proof Coin” reminds us that the blaze of war illuminates cultural differences that can lead to unfortunate consequences. There were no victors in the aftermath of the Breakout. Only hundreds of dead who left this life wishing to avoid the stigma of capture and imprisonment. At the end of the Second World War, in a less tolerant world than today, the people of Cowra showed extraordinary courage and foresight in wishing to bring honour to their former captives. The Japanese War Cemetery and now the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre bridges the cultural divide and reminds us that understanding and forgiveness is the lasting gift of peace. 75 years after the Cowra Breakout, reflect on the event with “The Cowra Breakout Golden Proof Coin,” a Palace-approved commemoration whose 24-carat gold-tinged “voice” says to us “Lest We Forget” in every language.

Past and Future. Two concepts poignantly recalled in this remarkable coin. The reverse side symbolically unites a guard tower from No. 12 Prisoner of War Compound with a bridge, a lake and a stone lantern from Cowra’s Cultural Centre. These elements are bound together by a spray of cherry blossoms which bloom every year in the Japanese Garden. Both reflective and uplifting once, the design takes on greater emotional resonance with the 75th anniversary emblem shaped like a dove of peace, flying above of the heartfelt message “From a tragic past to a peaceful future.” In the vibrancy of Japan’s famed cherry blossoms and in the serenity of the lake and grounds of the Cowra’s Cultural Centre, peace, understanding and forgiveness eternally bloom.

Substantial is the only way to describe this coin. At 65mm in diameter and weighing 110 grams, coins of such proportions are struck to mark occasions of great importance. Minted to Proof standards, the highest possible quality, it is entirely layered with pure 24-carat gold and bejewelled with a genuine sparkling “diamond” crystal creating a coin that is simply without parallel. The technical complexities of striking at such a large diameter ensures that the worldwide mintage has been set remarkably low, at just 599. This means that each one of these limited edition coins has a rarity value in addition to its collectability, which would usually push the release price too high for most people. 200 coins in the edition have been earmarked for minting on 5th August, the 75th Anniversary of the Cowra Breakout. This auspicious subset of coins will be acknowledged in the Certificate of Authenticity confirming their elite status within the edition of just 599. “Minted on the Day” coins can generate intense collector interest because of their exclusive appeal and are offered on a strictly first-come, first-served basis. Strong demand is expect so don’t delay, order yours now!

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