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Controversy over commemorative coin design
The Royal Australian Mint has released two silver coins to mark the 100th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's birth, but the portrait of the late monarch has sparked criticism for its lack of likeness.
Public reaction divides opinion
Social media users widely mocked the design, with some comparing it to fictional characters like Mrs. Doubtfire. One commenter remarked, "If I saw that face without the hairdo and pearls, would never guess who it was meant to be." Another quipped, "Looks like she just ran into a wall."
Others, however, praised the mint's effort. "Awesome. I'm glad they put something out to do with Queen Elizabeth II," one supporter wrote. A U.S.-based collector called it "a beautiful coin."
Mint defends artistic choice
The Royal Australian Mint acknowledged the mixed feedback but stood by the design. A spokesperson stated, "Our coin images don't always capture the full beauty of a design once it's etched in metal."
The coins, a $5 (£2.56) and a 50-cent piece, were released through an online ballot that closed on Wednesday. Despite the criticism, the mint confirmed the silver proof coins sold out, with limited stock remaining at its shop and contact center.
Limited edition details
The mint produced 30,000 of the 50-cent coins and 5,000 of the $5 coins, all designated as collector's items that will not enter general circulation. The designs feature symbolic elements of the Queen's life, including a horse, corgi, roses, and Australia's national floral emblem, the golden wattle.
Additional motifs include her Royal Cypher, the St Edward's Crown, and the Auxiliary Territorial Service emblem, honoring her wartime service and lifelong duty. The reverse side of both coins displays a profile portrait of King Charles III.
Legacy and demand
Queen Elizabeth II, who died in 2022 at age 96, remains the UK's longest-reigning monarch. The mint described the coins as a tribute to "her enduring support for culture" and her personal interests.
