Found only in Australia, the emu is the world’s second largest bird. With wings that are too small for it to fly, the six-foot creature is equipped with long and powerful legs, enabling it to sprint at speeds of nearly 50km per hour across the outback plains.

The coin portrays an emu keeping a watchful presence over her young offspring. The birds’ protective plumage, essential for their ability to survive extreme changes of temperature in the outback, is represented in extraordinary detail.

Also included in the design is the inscription ‘AUSTRALIAN EMU’, The Perth Mint ‘P’ mintmark, and the coin’s weight, purity and year-date.