2015 Unlikely Heroes Great and Small - Murphy the Donkey One Dollar ($1) Uncirculated Australian Decimal Coin

$35.00
14581
Out-of-stock

Description

As Australia continues to commemorate the Centenary of Anzac, it is not just our diggers whom we remember. Australian heros came in all different shapes, sizes… and species. Creatures great and small who contributed their strength, energy and lives to the Australian Imperial Forces and the Australian Defence Force helped to define the spirit of our great nation.

Donkeys are well equipped with sturdy feet and shorter legs than horses, and are built to withstand the hot or rugged environments better than their equine cousins. They also have the strength and endurance that allows them to conquer the steepest hills and rockiest surfaces, even with a lot of weighton their backs.

In the First World War, donkeys were four-legged delivery trucks, transporting water and ammunition to soldiers. John Simpson Kirkpatrick, a stretcherbearer with the 3rd Field Ambulance, decided that one donkey (named Murphy) was destined for greater duties. A simple blanket and bandages gave Murphy a saddle and a bridle, and he became an ambulance to carry battle worn and wounded soldiers.

Murphy served on Gallipoli for three weeks until John’s untimely death on 19 May 1915, and then served alongside New Zealander Dick Henderson.
In 1997, the RSPCA Purple Cross was awarded to Murphy for service during the First World War.

 

Features

General Product Features

Year:
2015
Country:
Australia

Coin Features

Face Value:
One Dollar
Issuer:
Royal Australian Mint
Finish:
Uncirculated
Mintage:
30000

Australian Decimal Coins

Face Value:
One Dollar