Turtle Yaunati - 2 oz .999 Silver Antiqued Coloured Coin – 2$ Australia 2026
The aged appearance of this stunning pure silver 2oz coin is representative of the turtle’s long life and their stoic presence in Indigenous Australian culture throughout millennia.
Key features:
- 99.99% pure silver
- Antique and coloured finishes
- Authentic artwork by leading Kalkadoon artist Chern’ee Sutton
- Australian legal tender
The Perth Mint will donate AUD 10,000 from the proceeds of the coin to Deadly Sista Girlz (Waalitj Foundation). Deadly Sista Girlz is a culturally-appropriate program designed to improve school attendance and education attainment amongst First Nations girls.
Cultural importance
Turtles hold profound significance in Indigenous Australian cultures. For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, turtles are powerful totems linked to stories of creation, wisdom, longevity, and the deep connections to land and sea. They form an integral part of their cultural identity, of ceremony and traditions, as well as a sustainable natural world.
The timeless turtle
The coin’s coloured reverse depicts several turtles surrounded by elements which symbolise their journey through time, water and connection to Country. The circles represent water holes and the ocean, while the trail of turtles is symbolic of the ocean currents they follow during migration. The jellyfish are their primary source of food, and the dotted circles embody generations of turtles telling the story of their life’s cycle and their relation to past, present and future. Also included in the design is a trail of eggs in the sand which denotes the return of the turtle to its place of birth to start the next cycle of renewal. The design also features the 2026 year-date and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark.
This coin has been individually ‘antiqued’ to give it a unique finish conveying the surface abrasions of an ancient artefact. As a result of this treatment, the appearance of each coin in the mintage may vary.
Presentation packaging
Accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity, the coin comes in a modern display case that showcases both sides of the coin within a black frame, and an illustrated shipper.
About the Artist: Chern'ee Sutton
Chern’ee Sutton is a proud Kalkadoon woman and leading contemporary Aboriginal artist. Guiding her creative practice is a deep respect for her culture and heritage, developed under the mentorship of her mother.
Her paintings are known for captivating stories of her people, taking you on a visual journey and showcasing her exceptional colour, composition, and texture skills.
Chern’ee’s professional achievements are significant. She has received numerous commissions from local, state and federal government departments, and two artworks are proudly part of the prestigious Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace.
