New Silver Coin Marks 50th Anniversary of Australian Involvement in Vietnam

Representing the nation with great pride, tremendous determination and redoubtable courage, Australian armed forces served in the Vietnam War for more than a decade – from 1962 until 1972.


Niue 2012 $5 Vietnam 5oz Silver Proof

The conflict began in the late 1950s as a civil war in the south between the communist-backed National Liberation Front and US-backed South Vietnam. The war intensified in the early 60s resulting in Australia responding to a request from South Vietnam and dispatching Army training advisers in August of 1962 to assist local forces. With the situation worsening in the mid 60s, Australia's role in the conflict expanded following America's proposal to increase its military presence. The 1RAR was deployed in May of 1965, and when it was relieved, some 12 months later, Australia's contribution to the war increased once more.

Over the next few years, Australian personnel served with distinction in an extensive variety of roles from jungle patrolling to village search operations, and were involved in several major operations to win back key bases from the determined forces of the communist North. The peak of Australian involvement arrived in 1969, with over 7,000 Army personnel in Vietnam, but by this stage, the USA and Australia were already preparing for withdrawal. From late 1970, Australian forces were progressively withdrawn, before the Australian Governor-General announced the cessation of hostilities on 11 January 1973.

Operating under extremely difficult conditions, and helping to both preserve and pass on the Anzac Spirit of courage, mateship, determination and sacrifice, over 50,000 members of the Australian Army, Air Force and Navy served in Vietnam, suffering over 3,500 casualties, with more than 400 personnel killed in action.

MINTAGE A MERE 400 COINS!

Struck from a massive FIVE TROY OUNCES of .999 fine silver, and spanning an expansive 65mm in diameter, this imposing, official legal tender coin forms a commanding tribute to the 50th anniversary of the beginning of Australian involvement in the Vietnam War.

Contrasting beautifully against the silver Proof backdrop, the depiction of an Australian Special Forces soldier with an Australian soldier and Iroquois helicopter in the background looks superb rendered in colour.

An ideal opportunity for collectors to honour the often unheralded efforts of Aussie diggers who did the country proud during the nation's long, controversial engagement in the Vietnam War – but you will have to be quick. With the worldwide mintage restricted to an incredibly low 400 coins, and demand for Australian military commemoratives always so strong, a rapidfire sell-out of this poignant precious metal Proof is all but assured. Secure your coin now at the Official Issue Price!