2003 represents the 50th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, 27th July 1953. The imposing vertical lines in the background of the coin design echo the stainless steel spars around the Australian National Korean War Memorial in Canberra Memorial – a symbol for the fields of fallen – and with the floral emblems of Australia and South Korea at either side, the dove of peace is shown emerging from this darkest of times, representing hope for the future.