Weekly World Mint Coinage: August 13, 2026

Australia - Royal Australian Mint

Kangaroo Collector Series Showcases Best Known Wildlife Ambassador

 The Royal Australian Mint showcases their latest collector coins featuring A Mob of Six Roos in tribute to six decades of Australia’s decimal currency. Kangaroos occupy a special place in Australia’s numismatic history, which began when the first Australian coins were minted in 1910. The kangaroo made its first appearance along with the emu in Australia’s official coat of arms and was included on the three-pence, six-pence, shilling and florin. A leaping kangaroo was given special place of pride when it was introduced onto the penny, and the following year it leapt onto the halfpenny as well.

As part of the changeover to decimal currency in 1966, the kangaroo and emu once again appeared on the 50-cent coin within the coat of arms. In 1984, Australia discontinued one-dollar banknotes and transitioned the denomination to a circulation coin. Designed by Stuart Devlin, the reverse featured a mob of five kangaroos. This iconic design captures both the stillness and dynamism of these quintessentially Australian animals.

For the 2026 coins, a sixth kangaroo has been added to Devlin’s reverse design, one for each decade since the introduction of dollars and cents in 1966. The design is featured on all three Kangaroo Series coins in the collection. Below the design to the right side is the denomination 10 DOLLARS (gold) or 1 DOLLAR (silver). The obverse features the effigy of King Charles III designed by Daniel Thorne along with the year of issue, 2026 as part of the legend surrounding the royal portrait.

The one-dollar silver bullion quality coins are sealed in a certified-type holder with specifications and certification included on the reverse. The silver Proof coins are encapsulated and presented in a custom two-piece case accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. The gold Proof coins are encapsulated and presented in a custom case accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. For additional information, visit the e-webshop of the Royal Australian Mint.

Canada - Royal Canadian Mint

Silver Proof Coins Highlight Wild Sable Island Horses

 The Royal Canadian Mint introduces new silver Proof coins that capture the beauty of an equine breed unique to one Maritime province. The Sable Island horses are iconic to many wildlife enthusiasts, representing the wildness, isolation, mystery, splendour and energy of the island of Nova Scotia. The release of the coins coincides with the 65th anniversary of their designation as a protected species.

Herds of Sable Island horses have roamed freely for generations, largely untouched by human influence on remote sandbars off the coast of this maritime province. Descended from horses introduced in the 1700s, the Sable Island horses faced permanent removal from the island in 1960 when the government proposed to sell the horses due to concerns over malnutrition, inbreeding and harsh conditions. The news of their proposed removal touched off a wave of public outcry. Moved by the letters received from concerned Canadians of all ages, then-Prime Minister John Diefenbaker intervened.

Because of public support and that of the Prime Minister, the horses gained protected status through an amendment to the Canada Shipping Act, ensuring their survival and permanent place on the island, ensuring they remained free and undisturbed. In 2013, Sable Island became a National Park Reserve, bringing the island and its famous horses now with the designation of a naturalised species under the protection of the Canada National Parks Act, and under the direct responsibility of Parks Canada.

The reverse design is based on a photograph entitled The Stallion and the Sea taken by Canadian equine photographer Sandy Sharkey during a visit to Sable Island, Nova Scotia, in 2014. The image shows one of the island’s famous wild horses galloping at full speed on the sandy beach from the left side. Above the primary design along the upper rim is the text CANADA together with the year of issue, 2026 placed just below. Along the lower rim is the coin’s denomination 20 DOLLARS. The obverse includes the effigy of King Charles III created by Canadian artist Steven Rosati and depicts the king facing to the left surrounded by the legend CHARLES III CANADA D G REX.

The silver Proof coins are encapsulated and presented in a custom case accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. For additional information, visit the e-webshop of the Royal Canadian Mint.

Spain - Real Casa de la Moneda

Silver Proof and Colour coins Mark the Quincentenary Anniversary of Álvaro de Bazán

The year 2026 marks the fifth centenary of the birth of Don Álvaro de Bazán y Guzmán (1526-1588) first Marquis of Santa Cruz, and one of the most prominent figures in Spanish naval history. He is best remembered for his decisive victory during the Battle of Lepanto and his contribution to consolidating the maritime supremacy of the Spanish Monarchy in the 16th century.

Throughout his extraordinary career, Álvaro de Bazán remained undefeated in combat, demonstrating exceptional strategic vision and unwavering determination. His legacy embodies reliability, fortitude, and the pursuit of excellence—values ​​that continue to inspire generations. Bazán has been considered the prime naval commander in the history of Spain. He is credited with developments in amphibious warfare as well as pioneering the strategic usage of several kinds of ships, refining the designs of existent vessels and popularising galleons as warships, ultimately making possible many of the successes of the Spanish Empire during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Bazán also played a significant role in incorporating the Kingdom of Portugal to that of Spain resulting from the War of the Portuguese Succession. Fought between 1580 and 1583, its conclusion placed King Felipe II of Spain on the Portuguese throne reigning as Felipe I of Portugal, this union lasting until 1640. Álvaro de Bazán y Guzmán died in Lisbon, Portugal in February 1588 where he was interred. His remains were later moved to the family chapel at the Palace of the Marquis of Santa Cruz in Viso del Marqués, Ciudad Real, Spain.

The obverse of the coins features a portrait of Álvaro de Bazán y Guzmán, inspired from the oil painting by the artist Rafael Tegeo, placed to the left side of the coin. To the right is a reproduction of the stern lantern of the flagship La Loba, commanded by the Spanish admiral during the Battle of Lepanto. Both the original painting and lantern are housed in the Naval Museum of Madrid. Between the portrait of Bazán y Guzmán and the lantern is the denomination 5 EURO and to the left of the portrait is the crowned M mintmark referencing the Mint of Madrid. Along the lower rim commencing from the left is the commemorative inscription 5 CENTENARIO ÁLVARO DE BAZÁN 1526-2026. A border of waves is placed along the upper rim and alongside the lantern. The reverse features a colour reproduction of the coat of arms of Álvaro de Bazán y Guzmán, 1st Marquis of Santa Cruz, centred. The crest is an historic emblem featuring the traditional chequered pattern of the Bazán lineage combined with elements representing the Order of Santiago and his grand seigneurial titles. Along the upper left rim is the text ESPAÑA and below the crest along the lower rim is the commemorative inscription CAPITÁN GENERAL DEL MAR OCÉANO (Captain General of the Ocean Sea). Just under the crest is the year of issue, 2026. A border of waves surrounds the primary design, culminating in the upper left with the Cross of St. James.

Each Proof quality coin is encapsulated and presented in a custom case accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. For additional information, please visit the e-webshop of the Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre-Real Casa de la Moneda.