80 Years On: Remembering the Second World War Colorized $2 Silver 2025 Proof "C" Mintmark

80 Years On: Remembering the Second World War Coloured $2 Silver 2025 Proof "C" Mintmark is an exceptional silver commemorative coin struck by the Royal Australian Mint to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Struck from 99.9% pure silver, weighing 8.55 g and measuring 20.50 mm in diameter, it is finished to the highest Proof standard. It is a profoundly symbolic tribute to those who gave their lives during the most devastating conflict in human history. The coin is presented in an elegant collector case together with an individually numbered certificate of authenticity.

The First World War, though intended to be "the war to end all wars," did not bring lasting peace. Just twenty years after it ended, on 1 September 1939, Germany's attack on Poland sparked the Second World War—the bloodiest and most destructive conflict in history. For Australia, this war posed a real threat, as in 1942–1943 the northern regions of the country, including Darwin, were bombed by Japanese forces. The first and most destructive raid, in February 1942, claimed more than 250 lives among civilians and soldiers. The war finally ended on 2 September 1945, when Japan formally signed the instrument of surrender, following the earlier defeat of Germany in May of the same year.

The coin commemorates the eight decades that have passed since the end of the war. Its reverse features a symbolic remembrance wreath of eight red poppies—flowers that, in the culture of Australia and the Commonwealth, steadfastly symbolize remembrance of the war dead. At the centre of the wreath is the "C" mintmark, denoting Canberra—the minting location. The coloured accent of the red poppies lends the design a deeply emotional character.

Obverse is adorned with the effigy of King Charles III by Daniel Thorne, surrounded by inscriptions of the issuing country's name, the year of issue, and the face value of 2 Australian dollars.

Reverse depicts a coloured wreath of eight red poppies surrounded by sculpted leaves—a symbol of the eight decades that have passed since the end of the Second World War. In the centre appears the "C" mintmark, and the rim bears inscriptions relating to the anniversary.