50c 2013 Bathurst Endurance Race Carded UNC

Not struck for circulation this coin was issued by the Royal Australian Mint Canberra to mark the 50th anniversary of endurance car racing at the Mount Panorama circuit Bathurst. The uncirculated coin is encapsulated on a coloured card containing information about the race and the coin.

It is interesting to note that the October 2012 event is marked by a coin bearing a 2013 year date. The reason for this is unclear. An explanation may be that the mint was already striking 50 cent circulation coins dated 2013 and simply utilised one of the already available obverse working dies.

When Bathurst Mayor Martin Griffin opened the Mount Panorama Scenic Drive in 1938 he could only imagine that the 6.2 kilometre stretch would one day become Australia’s most famous raceway. Bathurst’s endurance racing history began with the Armstrong 500 in the early 1960s. This 500 mile race underwent many modifications the most significant being its change to 1000 kilometres in 1973 alongside the introduction of the metric system. Now part of the V8 Supercar Championship Series the Bathurst 1000 represents the beating heart of motorsport for Australian fans who often set up camp onsite more than a week in advance.

A renowned sporting venue the Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit attracts sporting fans from around Australia and the world. The 1 000 kilometre touring car race held in October each year known as 'the great race' is widely regarded as the pinnacle of Australian motor sport.cardborad holder featuring an image of the Mount Panorama Circuit pit straight.