| Coin Type | Fifty Cents Coat of Arms |
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The 50 cent coin was first introduced with decimalisation on 14 February 1966. This 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. Their composition is 75% copper and 25% nickel; their size is 31.65 millimetres (across flats). |
| Obverse | |
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The obverse of the coin depicts the portrait of the ruling monarch.
The inclusion of an effigy of the monarch on the obverse of Australia's coinage is mandated by Regulation 4 (c) of the Currency Regulations made under the Currency Act 1965. Portraits of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II have all faced to the right in line with a convention, said to have commenced with Charles II (1660-1685), that the new Monarch's portrait would face in a direction opposite to that of their predecessor. Consequently, the portrait of King Charles III faces left. |
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| Obverse Inscription |
Legend of the ruling monarch, date |
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| Reverse | |
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The reverse of the coin depicts the Arms of the Commonwealth of Australia, based on those authorised by Royal Warrant 19 September 1912 - composed of a shield divided into six parts, each containing a representation of the badge of a State. The shield is supported by a kangaroo and an emu.
The shield sits on the denomination numerals, 50 [cents]; above the shield is the Federation star. The entire design is set above a field of stylized wattle leaves.
The artist's initials SD (for Stuart Devlin) in (very) tiny letters are in the field below the numerals. |
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| Edge | Plain | Edge Inscription | None |
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| Notes | If you keep your coins in 2x2 cardboard holders, the best size for regular fifty cent coins is 35mm. |
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