$1 coins to fly flag for CHOGM

Five million special edition $1 coins will be put into circulation as part of events to mark the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth in October.

Special Minister of State Gary Gray will today release the first of the new dollars to mark CHOGM, set to be one of the biggest meetings of world leaders seen in Australia.

The coins feature flags in the shape of WA flying around a globe under the Southern Cross. They are made from nickel, copper and aluminium.

Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten said the coins would ensure CHOGM was recorded for history. He said it would be the biggest international event to be held in Perth for almost 50 years.

The coins will go into circulation this month.