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The Australia 1/10 oz. Gold $15 Wedge-tailed Eagle 2017 is a remarkable example of modern numismatic artistry and national symbolism, issued by the prestigious Perth Mint. This coin is part of a popular bullion and collector series featuring Australia’s largest bird of prey—the Wedge-tailed Eagle. Known for its impressive wingspan, soaring flight, and majestic presence, the eagle is a fitting emblem for a country known for its vast landscapes and unique wildlife. The 2017 edition, struck in 1/10 troy ounce of .9999 fine gold, continues a tradition begun in 2014 when the series debuted, and it showcases the collaborative design work of U.S. Mint Chief Engraver John Mercanti in partnership with Australia’s premier mint.
The Wedge-tailed Eagle series quickly gained worldwide attention for its unique cross-continental artistic origins. John Mercanti, the 12th Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, was invited by the Perth Mint to lend his expertise to the creation of an Australian coin—an unprecedented move at the time. Mercanti’s design for the eagle has evolved over the years, and the 2017 issue features his third interpretation of the iconic raptor. His designs consistently reflect both natural realism and symbolic gravitas, bridging American engraving traditions with Australian wildlife heritage. The Wedge-tailed Eagle is portrayed with regal authority, perched high on a rugged branch with its wings slightly unfurled, surveying its domain with intense, vigilant eyes.
The reverse of the coin presents the majestic Wedge-tailed Eagle in a vigilant pose, its powerful talons gripping a gnarled branch while its wings are raised slightly, suggesting both readiness and dominance. The bird’s intricate feather texture, the lifelike curvature of its beak, and the overall proportioning display Mercanti’s deep understanding of avian anatomy and artistry. The coin’s surface includes the inscription “AUSTRALIAN WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE,” along with the year “2017,” the weight “1/10oz,” the metal “9999 GOLD,” and the letter “P” denoting the Perth Mint. The layout is clean yet expressive, allowing the eagle motif to command full attention.
The obverse features the effigy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Ian Rank-Broadley. This well-known portrait of the Queen, which was used on Australian coinage from 1999 through 2018, depicts her facing right, wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara. The inscriptions around the profile include “ELIZABETH II,” “AUSTRALIA,” and the face value “15 DOLLARS.” This legal tender status under the Australian Currency Act 1965 affirms the coin’s authenticity and its monetary backing by the Australian government. Although the face value is symbolic, the coin’s real value is determined by its gold content and collectibility.
The coin is struck in 1/10 troy ounce of 99.99% pure gold (24 karat), which ensures high liquidity and global recognition. With a diameter of approximately 16.60 millimeters and a thickness of 1.50 millimeters, it is compact yet retains high visual detail due to advanced minting techniques employed by the Perth Mint. The finish is brilliant uncirculated (BU), meaning it has a clean, lustrous surface with sharp detail and limited handling marks. The Perth Mint’s BU standards are among the highest in the world, often exceeding those of other sovereign mints, especially in terms of clarity and strike quality.
The Perth Mint, founded in 1899 as a branch of Britain’s Royal Mint, has built a reputation for numismatic excellence and precious metals innovation. It remains one of the few mints in the world that still operates its own refinery and guarantees the purity and weight of its bullion products. Coins from the Wedge-tailed Eagle series are produced using state-of-the-art presses and die engraving, and every gold coin is individually inspected for quality before release. The addition of John Mercanti’s artistry further enhances the prestige and collectibility of this series, setting it apart in the crowded world of modern bullion coins.
Mintage figures for the 2017 1/10 oz gold Wedge-tailed Eagle were relatively limited, consistent with Perth Mint’s practice of controlling supply to enhance demand and collector interest. While the exact mintage may vary slightly depending on packaging options (such as capsules or carded issues), these coins were not produced in unlimited quantities like some bullion series. Their smaller size and lower entry cost make them popular among both investors seeking fractional gold and collectors looking to acquire a complete set of Mercanti-designed eagles without committing to full-ounce gold prices.
The condition of a typical 2017 1/10 oz Wedge-tailed Eagle gold coin is outstanding when preserved in its original Perth Mint capsule or submitted to third-party grading services. Examples graded MS69 or MS70 by NGC or PCGS are widely available and command modest premiums for their confirmed near-perfect or flawless quality. Coins that remain raw but stored properly tend to retain their original luster and sharpness, especially since gold does not tarnish or corrode under normal conditions. The finely engraved details of the eagle—especially its feathers and beak—are highly sensitive to contact marks, so properly handled coins maintain high visual appeal and collector value.
The 2017 edition continues to draw interest among fans of the Wedge-tailed Eagle series due to its elegant reinterpretation of the iconic bird, its pedigree from both the U.S. and Australia, and its affordability as a fractional gold offering. Many collectors strive to obtain every yearly design, and the 1/10 oz format allows for manageable and cost-effective completion of a full-date run. These coins also appeal to international collectors, thanks to the global renown of the Perth Mint and the cross-border collaboration that makes the series so distinctive. The combination of artistic design, gold purity, limited mintage, and sovereign status elevates the coin’s appeal for both aesthetic appreciation and long-term portfolio inclusion.
The Australia 2017 1/10 oz Gold $15 Wedge-tailed Eagle embodies the essence of modern numismatics—a powerful design, ultra-pure precious metal, and a compelling backstory. It honors Australia’s largest bird of prey while bridging two major numismatic cultures through the work of John Mercanti. Backed by the prestige of the Perth Mint and the reassurance of government-issued legal tender status, this small but striking coin continues to soar in the eyes of collectors and investors alike. Whether added to a gold holdings strategy or admired as a miniature work of art, the 2017 Wedge-tailed Eagle 1/10 oz gold coin offers enduring value, heritage, and beauty in equal measure.