2026 20c Service Amid Strife - North Africa & Middle East Coloured Uncirculated Coin in Card

2026 20c Service Amid Strife - North Africa & Middle East Coloured Uncirculated Coin in Card

Launched in December 1940, the Allied assault on Italian positions in Libya was the first major ground offensive for Australian troops in the Second World War.

Early in 1941, Allied forces including soldiers from the Second Australian Imperial Force captured the coastal cities of Bardia, Tobruk and Benghazi.

Ships of the Royal Australian Navy provided naval gunfire support, bombarding targets ashore.

However, German reinforcements recaptured most of what the Italians had lost, except for the fortress of Tobruk and its valuable harbour.

Australian and other Allied forces were besieged there from April to October in a tenacious and successful defense of the city.

To prevent occupation by Nazi Germany, Allied forces staged an invasion of Lebanon in June 1941. Lebanon had come under fascist Vichy French control following the fall of France in June 1940. 

Australian troops did much of the fighting of this campaign, and the region was occupied by Allied forces by the middle of July.

The principal significance of the 194 campaigns was the successful denial of the Middle East to Germany and Italy.

Aside from maintaining Allied access to the regions valuable oil reserves, they also meant that the Axis occupation of Europe's southern flank remained insecure.

This 2026 20c Coloured Uncirculated Coin commemorates these eventful campaigns of 1941.

The coins reverse features a design by the Mint's Aaron Baggio, commemorating the 1941 campaigns in North Africa and the Middle East.

Each coin has a colour printed reverse represents the Africa Star, awarded for service in North Africa (1940-1943) and Syria (1941).

The Coin obverse features the Daniel Thorne effigy of His Majesty King Charles III.

Struck to the Mint's uncirculated finish.

Each coin is packaged in a protective capsule and presentation card.

Strictly limited mintage of 40,000.

Each coin is issued as Australian Legal Tender.

Denomination :        20c

Quality :                  Uncirculated

Metal :                    Cupro Nickel

Weight :                  11.30 gms

Diameter :               28.52 mm

Mintage :                40,000

Authenticity :          Royal Australian Mint Full Colour Presentation Card

NOT FOR INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING