2000 $1 Silver Proof Coin - HMAS Sydney II

HMAS Sydney II was a modified Leander Class light cruiser.  Commissioned in 1935 she was armed with eight 6” guns and had a stop speed of 32 knots.   Sydney first served Australia as an integral part of the British Fleet which gained control of the Mediterranean in 1940.  Departing the Mediterranean in January 1941, Sydney returned to Australia to perform escort duties in the Indian and Pacific Ocean.  At 4pm on 19^th November 1941, while return to Freemantle from Indonesia, Sydney sighted an unidentified vessel and closed with 2km of the ship to establish her identity – the ship was a German auxiliary cruiser, the Kormoran.

Expecting her cover to be blown Kormoran opened fire.  Under Captain Joseph Burnett’s command Sydney counter attacked and an intense battle followed.  In 5 brief minutes both ships were mortally wounded.  The majority of Kormoran’s 393 crew were able to flee to safety with 78 seamen losing their lives.  Just hours after her last battle, Sydney sank.  All 645 crewmembers abroad died while serving their country, making this the heaviest loss of life suffered by the Royal Australian Navy in a single engagement.

The coin is encapsulated and dark blue has been chosen for the exterior of the presentation case.  The coin is accompanied by a descriptive booklet that includes a Certificate of Authenticity and is protected by a beauty box.

Denomination - One Dollar

Composition - Fine Silver (99.9%)

Weight - 11.66g

Diameter - 25mm

Worldwide Mintage Limit - 20,000

Mint - Royal Australian Mint