Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston today launched The Perth Mint’s Black Swan Maali 2022 two ounce silver antiqued coloured coin featuring Aboriginal artwork.
Struck by the iconic Perth Mint, the coin features a black swan, maali in Nyoongar, flying towards the Swan River as the sun shines in the background, an iconic scene in Western Australia.
The black swan, which is culturally significant to Nyoongar people, is WA’s national bird and appears on the State flag.
Designed by Whadjuk-Yuet-Ballardong artist Kevin Bynder, the silver coin features red and brown for the landscape and blue, green and other hues for the water and currents.
As stated by Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston:
“The Black Swan Maali silver coin demonstrates The Perth Mint’s commitment to increasing its understanding and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories.
“Featuring Aboriginal artwork on a coin that will be viewed by an international audience is a fitting release by The Perth Mint for ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Reconciliation Week.
“Kevin Bynder’s design will highlight to local and international audiences the richness of Aboriginal culture and the beauty of Western Australia.”
As stated by artist Kevin Bynder:
“You’re not just educating people here, you’re educating people everywhere, that don’t know much about the Indigenous culture.
“My way of being able to educate people is through my artwork – whether it’s a coin, a mural, a piece of artwork, or a Reconciliation Action Plan design.
“It’s important because we’ve been here for so long, and we’re the oldest living culture in the world.”
