New coin featuring Queen Elizabeth II carries hidden detail
The final design for the coin featuring Queen Elizabeth’s profile has been released by the Royal Australian Mint.
Since taking the throne in 1953, six portraits of the Queen have appeared on Australian coins and next year the late monarch will feature for the last time.
The new design was unveiled this week, after her death in September, and will include her familiar profile but with a notable difference.
Featuring British engraver Jody Clark’s portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, the memorial coin’s notable addition will include the Queen’s 70 years of reign and will read "Elizabeth II 1952-2022".
Australian coin expert Joel Kandiah says this will be the first time this detail has appeared on an Australian coin. The change will only be for the collectable coin, and not for normally circulated coins.
“Any new circulation coins minted next year will be dated 2022 until the King Charles III effigy is introduced,” he told 7News.
The coin has been called Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Obverse and will be released in January 2023.
Existing coins bearing the Queen’s profile will remain in circulation and continue to be legal tender forever.
In the coming months, the Australian Government will announce details of the transition to the profile of King Charles III for all Australian coins.
Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury Andrew Leigh said: “This final series of collectable coins will serve as a lasting tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and a reminder for all Australians of her 70 years of service to Australia and the Commonwealth".
Image: Royal Australian Mint