This remarkable series goes back in Australia’s history to discover the larger-than-life animals that once roamed our land, with the third release depicting the Genyornis.

The Genyornis was a giant bird which formed part of a range of megafaunal creatures which inhabited Australia during the Pleistocene period. This incredible flightless bird was heavily built, standing more than two metres tall, with massive hind legs, tiny wings and hoof-like toes. Fossils of Genyornis have been found in association with human artefacts, including cave paintings and carved footprints, suggesting human co-existence. Sometimes such fossils have been found in groups, suggesting that, like emus, the species may have lived in mobs.

The third coin in the remarkable Australian Megafauna coin series, the Genyornis, takes you back in time to discover this larger-than-life animal that once roamed Australia.

The reverse of the coin features a design by paleo-artist, Peter Trusler, of a Genyornis set against a coloured background. The inscription GENYORNIS, the coin’s weight and fineness, and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark are also incorporated into the design.

Issued as Australian legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the 2014 year-date and the monetary denomination are shown on the coin’s obverse.

Previous releases: Procoptodon, Diprotodon
Forthcoming releases: Thylacoleo, Megalania