Despite not carrying a gun, John Simpson is perhaps Australia’s most famous soldier. Bringing the wounded back from the front with the aid of his donkey, he was emblematic of all that was heroic and noble in the Hell-on-Earth that was Gallipoli. Dodging death for 24 days before a Turkish bullet pierced his heart, Simpson and his Donkey are among the most well-known characters of Australian history. This PNC is a fantastic way to recognise the ingenuity, determination, bravery and self-sacrifice of John Simpson, and the key role played by the donkey in his endeavours.
Official and affordable, this Australia Post PNC is headlined by the Royal Australian Mint’s 25mm $1 Murphy the Donkey Al-Br FrUnc – a unique type that will not be issued for circulation and will never be found in change! The perfect complement to a key Australian legal tender type, this superbly illustrated PNC also features a large, official stamp illustrating the value of animals in wartime.
As we honour the 100th anniversary of Gallipoli, and commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of John Simpson and so many of his comrades during the ill-fated campaign, this poignant tribute is sure to prove extremely popular.