Perth Mint honours Anzacs with silver coin

A limited number of silver coins marking 100 years since Australia's first fleet of military ships departed Albany to fight in World War I have been released by the Perth Mint.

The coin features two ships, a list of the 39 vessels that set sail from the port, two short inscriptions and a red poppy motif.

Only 1914 Anzac Spirit 100th Anniversary Coin Series - First Convoy coins will be released.

About 30,000 troops from the Australian Imperial Force and New Zealand Expeditionary Force, as well as about 8000 horses, departed from King George Sound in Albany on November 1, 1914.

Perth Mint spokesman Ron Currie said Albany played a significant role in the story of the Anzacs and said the Perth Mint was proud to honour the troops with a coin tribute.

The piece will be available for $63.50 from the Albany Australian Post Office, the Albany Visitor Centre, the National Anzac Centre and the Perth Mint.