The last coin featuring the late Queen finally released across Australia
By
Seia Ibanez
- Replies 5
It’s a piece of history that could just be worth its weight in gold if given time.
The Royal Australian Mint has just released the last coin featuring the late Queen Elizabeth II, and it could be worth keeping an eye on as a prized collectible item.
This limited edition 50-cent coin is a true piece of history, created to commemorate the Queen's 70 years as head of the Commonwealth.
Its design features her final portrait before her death in September 2022, embossed over the obverse or ‘heads’ side.
![Screenshot 2023-11-23 at 8.43.32 AM.png Screenshot 2023-11-23 at 8.43.32 AM.png](https://seniorsdiscountclub.com.au/data/attachments/35/35529-8c873c563437f019ffdab5144ab083c5.jpg)
Six previous portraits of the Queen that appeared on Australian coins during her seven-decade reign are carved on the other side. Lily of the Valley, one of the Queen's favourite flowers, and Australia's national flower, the golden wattle, were also carved on top of the six effigies.
It's certainly an item fit for a collection.
Leigh Gordon, CEO of the Royal Australian Mint, said that this coin was a fitting final addition to Australian coins showing the portraits of the late Queen.
'Historically, coins bear witness to a Monarch's reign with their royal effigies appearing on the obverse,' Gordon said.
'In keeping with that tradition, this exceptional coin showcases the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Effigy by Jody Clark on the obverse.'
The first portrait, designed by Mary Gillick, first appeared on Australian coins in 1953 and continued until 1965.
Meanwhile, the most recent portrait was designed by Jody Clark, and the effigy was printed on Australia’s coins from 1999 until Queen Elizabeth’s death last year.
The Queen reigned for 63 years, making her the longest-ruling British Monarch in history, surpassing Queen Victoria.
The special edition coin will be available at the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra on Thursday, 23 November, at 8:30 a.m. and several distributors nationwide.
The 2023 50c Uncirculated Coin is presented as a coin in a card, and it has a limited mintage of 25,000. It is priced at $15.
On the other hand, the 2023 50c Fine Silver Proof Coin has only 7,000 limited mintage and is presented in a capsule and presentation case. This coin is priced at $135.
The Royal Mint is also set to release coins with the face of King Charles III before the year ends. The release of this coin with the King’s face is considered a symbolic way of marking the succession and the continuation of the monarchy. Read more about the story here.
Members, what do you think of the latest portrait of the late Queen on the coin? Do you also have collectible items featuring the late Queen? Share them with us in the comments below!
The Royal Australian Mint has just released the last coin featuring the late Queen Elizabeth II, and it could be worth keeping an eye on as a prized collectible item.
This limited edition 50-cent coin is a true piece of history, created to commemorate the Queen's 70 years as head of the Commonwealth.
Its design features her final portrait before her death in September 2022, embossed over the obverse or ‘heads’ side.
![Screenshot 2023-11-23 at 8.43.32 AM.png Screenshot 2023-11-23 at 8.43.32 AM.png](https://seniorsdiscountclub.com.au/data/attachments/35/35529-8c873c563437f019ffdab5144ab083c5.jpg)
The Royal Australian Mint released the final coin featuring the late Queen Elizabeth II. Credit: Royal Australian Mint
Six previous portraits of the Queen that appeared on Australian coins during her seven-decade reign are carved on the other side. Lily of the Valley, one of the Queen's favourite flowers, and Australia's national flower, the golden wattle, were also carved on top of the six effigies.
It's certainly an item fit for a collection.
Leigh Gordon, CEO of the Royal Australian Mint, said that this coin was a fitting final addition to Australian coins showing the portraits of the late Queen.
'Historically, coins bear witness to a Monarch's reign with their royal effigies appearing on the obverse,' Gordon said.
'In keeping with that tradition, this exceptional coin showcases the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Effigy by Jody Clark on the obverse.'
The first portrait, designed by Mary Gillick, first appeared on Australian coins in 1953 and continued until 1965.
Meanwhile, the most recent portrait was designed by Jody Clark, and the effigy was printed on Australia’s coins from 1999 until Queen Elizabeth’s death last year.
The Queen reigned for 63 years, making her the longest-ruling British Monarch in history, surpassing Queen Victoria.
The special edition coin will be available at the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra on Thursday, 23 November, at 8:30 a.m. and several distributors nationwide.
The 2023 50c Uncirculated Coin is presented as a coin in a card, and it has a limited mintage of 25,000. It is priced at $15.
On the other hand, the 2023 50c Fine Silver Proof Coin has only 7,000 limited mintage and is presented in a capsule and presentation case. This coin is priced at $135.
The Royal Mint is also set to release coins with the face of King Charles III before the year ends. The release of this coin with the King’s face is considered a symbolic way of marking the succession and the continuation of the monarchy. Read more about the story here.
Key Takeaways
- The final coin featuring the Queen's head has been released, with limited editions available from Thursday and commemorates the Queen's reign.
- The coin has been created by the Royal Australian Mint and displays the Queen's last portrait on one side and on the other side, a design that features six previous portraits of the Queen from her reign.
- Other features in the design include carvings of Lily of the Valley and golden wattle—both favoured by the Queen.
- The coin will be on sale at the Royal Australian Mint, Canberra and via several of its distributors around the country.