THE Royal Australian Mint has released a special 50-cent coin celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Bathurst Great Race.
Mount Panorama first hosted the endurance classic in 1963 and will do so again next week, across October 5-8.
The specially designed coloured coin features six touring cars navigating the Mountain – and not only is it a collectable, it’s also legal Australian tender.
The only Canberran currently on the Supercars grid, Cameron Hill, headed to the nation’s capital for the coin’s launch.
“It’s exciting to be involved in the launch of such a special coin,” said Hill, who will have Jaylyn Robotham as his co-driver next week.
“Bathurst has always played a big part in my racing career, from watching the race on TV as a child, to making my debut last year.
“The Great Race has an incredible amount of history and to see some of that encapsulated on our currency is very fitting, as we celebrate the 60th anniversary this year.
“I’m really looking forward to lining up on the grid at the Mountain in October aboard the Matt Stone Racing Chevrolet Camaro.”
Royal Australian Mint CEO Leigh Gordon added: “The Bathurst 1000 is the ultimate battleground, where a 1000km endurance race on an unforgiving mountainous track could be won and lost in the last lap.
“With turn names like Hell Corner, The Cutting and The Esses, it’s not too difficult to imagine why Bathurst is considered by many to be one of the world’s most legendary and challenging racing circuits.
“The Bathurst 1000 has earned its place in Australian history, and I’m excited the Mint has chosen to recognise this with a coin.”
The coin can be purchased from the Mint Coin Shop or through some authorised dealers.
