Fifty Cents, Coin Type from Australia - detailed information

Fifty Cents, Coin Type from Australia (issued 1966 - )
Coin TypeFifty Cents

The 50 cent coin was first introduced with decimalisation on 14 February 1966. The original design featured the Commonwealth Coat of Arms struck on an 80 per cent silver coin. Silver prices rose above the face value of the coin in 1967 and striking of the coin was suspended in March 1968. Although it was rumoured that the Royal Australian Mint had lost money on striking these coins, all metal used in the manufacture of the 36.5 million coins produced was purchased before the price rises.

Apart from the uneconomic cost of continuing the issue of the silver 50 cents, significant negative comment arose from confusion of the circular coin with the 20 cents. The decision to reissue a 50 cent coin considered not only a change to materials but also different shapes to help solve confusion with the 20 cents. A new shape and alloy was reintroduced into circulation in September 1969. These new dodecagonal (12-sided) coins have been used since.

The original reverse design by Stuart Devlin has not been changed since the introduction for regular circulating coins. Apart from these, this denomination is also frequently used for commemorative designs.

Obverse
Australia / Fifty Cents - obverse photo

Effigy of the ruling monarch, legend.

Obverse Inscription Legend of the ruling monarch
Reverse
Australia / Fifty Cents - reverse photo

Reverse Inscription
EdgeEdge Inscription
Coin Type: Fifty Cents - (82) Coins
Coin NameReverseObverseIn my collection(s)
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Royal Mint
Royal Mint
Fifty Cents: Details
CountryAustralia
CurrencyAustralian Dollar
Sub-types Fifty Cents Silver
Fifty Cents Coat of Arms
Fifty Cents Circulating Commemorative
From1966
Face Value50 (x Cent)
CurrentYes
MaterialSilver in 1966, CuproNickel 1969 and later
Designer
TechnologyMilled (machine-made)
ShapePolygon
OrientationCoin Alignment (Axis 6)
Size
Mass
Fifty Cents: Photos
ImageDetails
Fifty Cents: Photo Proof Coin - 50 Cents, Australia, 1966 Proof Coin - 50 Cents, Australia, 1966
Copyright: Museums Victoria / CC BY
Author:
Notes: Silver (1966).
Source
Fifty Cents: Photo Proof Coin - 50 Cents, Australia, 1966 Proof Coin - 50 Cents, Australia, 1966
Copyright: Museums Victoria / CC BY
Author:
Notes: Silver (1966).
Source