Australia. New Commemorative Coins honours Australian military Intelligence Branch

During the last century, the Australian Army signals have gone from trench warfare to electronic warfare, from semaphore to satellites and cyberspace. The new commemorative coins not only honours a century of dedicated service in military communications but also features a hidden message in Morse and binary code, challenging collectors and enthusiasts to decipher its secrets. Since its establishment in 1925, the Royal Australian Corps of Signals has been vital in securing and relaying critical military communications, pioneering advancements in electronic warfare, cyber operations and defence technology. For 100 years, the men and women of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals have ensured that the Army remains connected, secure and ready for any challenge and safeguarding Australia’s communications on the battlefield and beyond.

In the years since 1925, more than 107,000 Australian men and women have proudly worn the 'Jimmy' badge, a colloquial term for the Royal Signals Cap Badge, which features a figure of the Roman messenger god Mercury. Cloaked in layers of secret code, the Royal Australian Corps of Signals has been at the forefront of the Army’s technological evolution, ensuring it is able to decipher transmissions and communiqué’s from adversaries, resulting in ultimate success on the battlefield.

Designed by Mint artist Adam Ball, the coin is rich in symbolism. At its centre is a replicated depiction of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals badge which includes a standing figure of Mercury, the Roman messenger god reflecting the Corps’ motto CERTA CITO translating as swift and sure communication. Mercury stands on a globe, symbolising the Corps’ far-reaching impact. A wreath of leaves, reminiscent of the original Corps badge, encircles the design, while the background features Morse and binary code referencing a visual link between the Corps’ origins and its cutting-edge role in modern cyber warfare. The Morse and binary code spells out the words Certa Cito. The obverse side includes the Commonwealth effigy of HM King Charles III created by engraver Dan Thorne. The legend above the King’s likeness reads CHARLES III AUSTRALIA 2025 along with the denomination 1 DOLLAR shown below the King’s likeness.

Available to order from the 3^rd April, each coin is encased in a coin-card format which includes illustrations and informative text. For additional information on these and other coins available from the Royal Australian Mint, please visit their e-webshop.