Anzac coin lands Vic maker in trouble

A Victorian souvenir coin maker could be fined for unauthorised use of the word Anzac and a protected rising sun logo.

A memorial statue of a World War I Kiwi Digger

(AAP)

A Victorian souvenir coin maker could be seriously out of pocket over a decision to produce a 1915 Gallipoli Landing centenary coin.

Two Commonwealth departments have confirmed Macquarie Mint did not seek necessary permissions to use the rising sun logo or the word Anzac.

The mint has created 150,000 of the souvenir coins, which were heavily marketed in a mail-out to thousands of homes in time for Anzac Day.

The word "Anzac" was used in a marketing letter, which the mint has agreed to no longer circulate.

"The letter ... is commercial in nature as it is designed to promote the sale of these coins, which requires formal permission to use the word Anzac," a Department of Veterans Affairs spokeswoman said.

"Macquarie Mint does not have permission to use the word Anzac for this purpose."

Fines up to $50,000 can be levied for improper use of the word Anzac.

The Department of Defence protects the rising sun logo, which appears on one side of the coin.

"Defence has no record of an application from Macquarie Mint for the 2015 $10 Gallipoli Landing Centenary Silver Commemorative Coin," a Defence spokesman also told AAP.

The coin, which also has an image of World War I soldiers storming a beach, is stamped $10 and is said to be legal tender in the island nation of Kiribati.

A website where people can still buy the coins remains live and it avoids any use of the word Anzac.


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Source: AAP


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