The most interesting fact to note about this coin is its obverse design. In 1996 the RAM was invited to submit designs for an update to the portrait of Her Majesty on the obverse of Commonwealth coinage. The RAM's in house designer at the time Vladimir Gottwald submitted his design and was among the final 3 viewed by the Queen herself for approval. Although the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy was chosen, Gottwald's design was approved for a one time striking on this 2000 Royal Visit 50 cent.
Royal permission for the use of his design on the coin was only granted from Buckingham palace on the eve of the Queen's visit. For the first time in Australia since 1936 an obverse was created by an Australian designer.
Thus the coin was designed entirely by Vladimir Gottwald, both the obverse and reverse sides.
The same Vladimir Gottwald obverse was later used also on all the coins in the 2010 gold year set commemorating 10 years since this obverse was used.
1,593 silver proof coins were minted in the 2000/2001 financial year (ending 30 June)
Sources of original information:
Royal Australian Mint, Annual Report 2000 - 2001 (2001), p 54. Retrieved from https://www.ramint.gov.au/annual-reports (PDF) | 
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