The Perth Mint released a World Youth Day Sydney 2008 (WYD08) commemorative coin range on 2 January 2008 to celebrate the first visit by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to Australia.

The range includes two Vatican-approved coin designs - a 1oz Gold Proof Coin and a 1oz Silver Proof Coin, each depicting the Pope, the WYD08 logo and the inscription ?World Youth Day Sydney 2008? on the reverse.

Sydney will host the 23rd World Youth Day from 15-20 July with up to 125,000 international visitors expected to attend.

WYD08 Chief Operating Officer, Mr Danny Casey, believes the limited mintage coins will prove popular among both Australians and international visitors wishing to preserve the memory of this historic event.

"For many pilgrims and proud Australian hosts, WYD08 will be one of the most significant events in their lives," he said.

"We are delighted to be working with The Perth Mint to offer those involved a memento they can treasure and hand down through generations as a keepsake of their experience."

Both commemorative coins are available worldwide and issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965.

With a strictly limited mintage of no more than 1,000 Gold Proof Coins and 25,000 Silver Proof Coins, they are expected to be snapped up quickly.

"The World Youth Day 2008 Commemoratives will mark the first time that a Pope has been depicted on an Australian legal tender coin," said Ron Currie, Sales and Marketing Director, The Perth Mint.

"We are extremely proud to be involved with an event that clearly means so much to youth around the globe."

The design is 'struck' in the traditional way on the 99.99% pure Gold Proof Coin and is portrayed in colour on the 99.9% pure Silver Proof Coin.

The coins are housed in timber display cases, protected by either a red (Gold Coin) or black (Silver Coin) box shipper featuring a colour image of Pope Benedict XVI.

Recommended retail price for the 1oz Gold Proof Coin is $AUD1,750 or $AUD89.50 for the 1oz Silver Proof Coin. Prices include goods and services tax (GST).

The monetary denomination of the Gold Proof Coin is $AUD100, and the monetary denomination of the Silver Proof Coin is $AUD1.

Coins can be purchased from The Perth Mint ( www.perthmint.com.au or freecall 1800 098 817), reputable coin dealers and selected Australia Post outlets. All coins come with numbered Certificates of Authenticity.

WYD08 - hosted by the Catholic Church, but open to all - is expected to draw up to 500,000 people to its largest event, a Final Mass at Randwick Racecourse and Centennial Park.