20c 2026 Service Amid Strife - Women's Services UNC
Issued by the Royal Australian Mint, this 2026 Coloured Uncirculated 20 Cent Coin commemorates the establishment of Australia’s women’s auxiliary services during the Second World War — a significant milestone in the nation’s military history.
In 1941, the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) became the first of Australia’s women’s services to be formed. Established in March, the WAAAF grew rapidly throughout the war, with almost 27,000 women serving by its conclusion. Initially employed as telegraphists, members soon undertook a wide range of important roles including aircraft ground staff, mechanics, administration, radar and signals, stores and maintenance.
Soon after, the Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS) was established in April 1941 in response to a shortage of telegraphists within the Navy. Beginning with just 14 women stationed at HMAS Harman near Canberra, the WRANS expanded to more than 3,000 members by the end of the war.
In August 1941, the Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS) was formed to release more men for overseas service. Around 24,000 women enlisted in the AWAS, with members serving in both Dutch and Australian New Guinea during 1944 and 1945.
Although these three services were disbanded following the war, they were reconstituted in the 1950s before eventually being integrated into the broader Australian Defence Force during the 1980s. Today, all military roles are open to women — a lasting legacy of the pioneering women who served during WWII.
Featuring a striking coloured design and presented in official Mint packaging, this 2026 20c Coloured Uncirculated Coin is a meaningful tribute to the dedication and service of Australian women during wartime.
- 20 Cents (20c)
- Mintage 40,000
- Encapsulated & Carded
- Uncirculated (UNC)
Description
Issued by the Royal Australian Mint, this 2026 Coloured Uncirculated 20 Cent Coin commemorates the establishment of Australia’s women’s auxiliary services during the Second World War — a significant milestone in the nation’s military history.
In 1941, the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) became the first of Australia’s women’s services to be formed. Established in March, the WAAAF grew rapidly throughout the war, with almost 27,000 women serving by its conclusion. Initially employed as telegraphists, members soon undertook a wide range of important roles including aircraft ground staff, mechanics, administration, radar and signals, stores and maintenance.
Soon after, the Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS) was established in April 1941 in response to a shortage of telegraphists within the Navy. Beginning with just 14 women stationed at HMAS Harman near Canberra, the WRANS expanded to more than 3,000 members by the end of the war.
In August 1941, the Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS) was formed to release more men for overseas service. Around 24,000 women enlisted in the AWAS, with members serving in both Dutch and Australian New Guinea during 1944 and 1945.
Although these three services were disbanded following the war, they were reconstituted in the 1950s before eventually being integrated into the broader Australian Defence Force during the 1980s. Today, all military roles are open to women — a lasting legacy of the pioneering women who served during WWII.
Featuring a striking coloured design and presented in official Mint packaging, this 2026 20c Coloured Uncirculated Coin is a meaningful tribute to the dedication and service of Australian women during wartime.
- 20 Cents (20c)
- Mintage 40,000
- Encapsulated & Carded
- Uncirculated (UNC)
