Commemorative coins marking 30 years since the Torres Strait Islander flag was first proclaimed an official flag of Australia have been released.

To honour the occasion, the Royal Australian Mint has designed a pair of $2 coins to pay tribute to the enduring spirit and heritage of Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The release includes a limited edition 7500 'C' Mintmark Coloured Fine Silver Proof coins and a further 100,000 'C' Mintmark Coloured Uncirculated coins.

The flag has grown into a powerful symbol for Torres Strait Islander identity, unity and pride, which is displayed on the coins to acknowledge and celebrate a rich history and diverse culture of an Australian First Nation's people.

The flag was designed in 1992 by Bernard Namok, who won a coordinating council competition among the 274 small islands of the archipelago which tally around 4500 residents.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission first recognised the flag in 1992 before it was granted official status, alongside the Aboriginal flag, in 1995 under the Australian Flags Act 1953.

Renowned Royal Australian Mint coin designer Elyssa Waterford has worked in conjunction with Erub artist Lavinia Ketchell to bring a cultural symbolism and artistic craftsmanship to celebrate the significant anniversary.

Ms Ketchell told National Indigenous Times before the launch she was "feeling very proud" and was also "very excited" to get her hands on a coin.

"I think it is just a great opportunity to be in a position to have my work on a coin," she said.

However, the exact design of the coin has been surrounded in mystery for the artist.

Erub Arts selected one of Ms Ketchell's best works which was not specifically designed for a coin amid her range of traditional Torres Strait Islands artworks.

Ms Ketchell, who was born in Cairns but grew up on Erub (Darnley Island), has mainly worked with the island's renowned bright-coloured ghost nets and has also dabbled in artistic jewellery amid traditional Erub storytelling.

"I wasn't really sure what artwork got chosen because I didn't submit it – someone else did." she said.

"Someone talked to me about it, but I'm not really quite sure what it looks like."

The 'C' Mintmark coins highlight the strength, identity and connection represented by the Torres Strait Islander flag.

At the heart of the design of the coins are the Dhari – the traditional cultural headdress – and a five-pointed star, emblems that are of deep cultural significance that reflect their central place on the flag.

Surrounding the emblems are a circular colour print, with each segment representing the flag's colours: green for the land, blue for the sea, and black for Torres Strait Islander people.

The central design highlights the two white stripes encasing the Dhari and the star, significant emblems from the flag to complete its distinctive visual symbolism.

Beneath the coins' colour print lies a fine pattern, inspired by traditional netting and fishing traps.

This element represents the knowledge systems and cultural practices of Torres Strait Islander communities and their enduring connection to land and sea Country.

Further enhancing this tribute, the coins field features artwork from Ketchell which also celebrates the ocean, reef, and the vital role that fishing plays in the islands' culture.

The people of the Torres Strait have relied on the sea for millennia in what has been an integral part of Country, shaping both social and cultural practices.

The Royal Australian Mint says the release of the Torres Strait coins continues a commitment to commemorating Australia's diverse cultural milestones amid "thoughtfully crafted coin design".

"These coins not only mark a national milestone, but also invite reflection on the rich cultures, stories and contributions of Torres Strait Islander peoples across generations," the Royal Australian Mint said on its website.

The Coloured Fine Silver Proof collector coins are priced at $90 while the Coloured Uncirculated coins cost $22.50 each.