Remembrance and 2012 Poppy First Commemorative $2 Coins
By CAA | Monday, 20 October 2025
In the lead-up to Remembrance Day, the Australia's first $2 commemorative circulating coin ever features the poppy flower to honour the sacrifice of all Australians involved in war and armed conflict.
The Mint also produced a special colour printed version of the $2 coin with a red poppy to be distributed through the national RSL Red Poppy Appeal.
Both coins feature a poppy design surrounded by the words Lest we forget and Remembrance Day in repetitive micro-lettering.
Royal Australian Mint Chief Executive Officer Mr Ross MacDiarmid said this release is one that the Royal Australian Mint team have been working very hard towards and will not go unnoticed around the world.
Only one other country, Canada, has released coloured coins into circulation and the fact that we have added micro-lettering into the design showcases our world class innovative capabilities.
Late 2017, the Canadian Mint sued the Royal Australian Mint for using a patended printing method on coins without permission. The demand: Australia's 500,000 commemorative $2 coins ($2 million in cash), in circulation since 2012, either be turned over to Canada or destroyed under supervision.
Furthermore, it includes a permanent restriction of making, selling, supplying or otherwise disposing of, using or keeping the infringing coins without licence or authority. Read more »
A collectible coin product was available for $12.95.
The coin was also produced in 2018 for the 30th anniversary of the $2 dollar coin and in 2023 for it's 35th.
The poppy is a powerful and widely recognized symbol of remembrance for military personnel who have died in war. Its meaning is rooted in the events and a specific poem from World War I.
During World War I, the landscape in parts of France and Belgium was devastated by fighting, leaving barren, muddy fields. However, the red corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas), a resilient flower, flourished in the churned-up soil. The sight of these vibrant red flowers blooming among the graves and battle-scarred terrain created a powerful image of life emerging from destruction.
This powerful association was solidified by the poem In Flanders Fields, written by Canadian doctor Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae in 1915. Inspired by the sight of poppies growing on the graves of fallen soldiers, his poem captured the sentiment of loss and the call to remember those who had sacrificed their lives. The poem's opening lines, In Flanders fields the poppies blow / Between the crosses, row on row, cemented the poppy's place as a symbol of the war.
The poppy has since become an international symbol of remembrance for the sacrifices made by armed forces and civilians in all conflicts. It honors those who have died and acknowledges the contributions of those who have served. It also carries a message of hope for a peaceful future.
The custom of wearing a poppy began with American humanitarian Moina Michael, who, after reading McCrae's poem, sold poppies to raise money for veterans and their families. This practice was adopted by the Royal British Legion and other veteran organizations, who use the sale of poppies to raise funds to support the armed forces community.
Q&A by the Royal Canadian mint - October 26, 2012
Why are these coins so special?
The design on the $2 circulating coin has never been changed. This is a historical moment for Australia and a chance to have a keepsake of this significant milestone.
Why has the Royal Australian Mint released a coin for Remembrance Day?
The Mint has in the past released coins to commemorate Remembrance Day as well as those which remember significant moments within Australia's war-time history. As we were planning to release Australia's first ever commemorative $2 coin, we thought that this theme would be particularly relevant for all Australians, and would help us remember the fallen on 11 November.
The theme is also a great introduction into the ANZAC coin program that the Mint will be introducing which will include a number of themes featuring on both circulating and collectible coins.
Where can I get these coins?
You will see the non-coloured circulating coin come out in your change over the coming months. The coloured circulating coin is being circulated by the RSL, who are distributing them through the RSL Poppy Appeal. The coloured mintmark uncirculated coin is available through the Royal Australian Mint sales channels.
Where can I get a circulating coloured coin?
The RSL are distributing these coins through the RSL Poppy Appeal from Friday 26 October to Sunday 11 November. It will vary from state to state, for more information regarding where you might be able to find your local RSL servicemen, please contact your state RSL branch.
I'm in Canberra, where can I get a circulating coloured coin?
We have been informed by the ACT RSL that they will be distributing these coins through the RSL Poppy Appeal from Monday 5 to Friday 10 November at major shopping centres around Canberra. For more information regarding when these coins will be available, please contact your state branch. The RSL will also be in attendance at the Mint on Sunday 11 November from 11.30 am - 3.30 pm.
Why has the Mint only produced 500,000 coloured coins for circulation as opposed to a minimum of 5 million non-coloured coins also to be released into circulation?
The Royal Australian Mint is further developing its technological and innovative capabilities and has used a new production process. The Mint wanted to start with an achievable number to ensure the production process went smoothly and quality standards were maintained.
Why was the RSL chosen as the partnering organisation?
The Mint has partnered with the RSL because the poppy is synonymous with the RSL's 'Poppy Appeal', which provides support to Returned and Ex-Servicemen and their families. The RSL also has a widespread distribution method.
Will the $2 standard circulating coin featuring the Aboriginal elder be replaced by the $2 commemorative Remembrance Day circulating coin?
No, both the $2 standard circulating coin featuring the Aboriginal elder and the $2 commemorative Remembrance Day circulating coin will be released on 2012 dated coins.
Is the paint on the coloured coins toxic?
No, however you should treat the coin as you would any other coin.
