Fifty Cents 2023 Christmas Decoration - Festive Florals, Coin from Australia - detailed information

The obverse of the coin depicts the crowned old bust of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the Royal Diamond Diadem crown worn for her Coronation (effigy known as the "Fifth Portrait" worldwide but "Sixth Portrait" in Australia, where the Queen's portrait by Vladimir Gottwald was fifth).

The Queen also wears the Coronation Necklace; originally made for Queen Victoria in 1858, it was also worn at the coronations (as Queen's Consort) of Queen Alexandra in 1902, Queen Mary in 1911 and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen mother) in 1937.

Unlike on British coinage, the effigy is "uncouped" (includes the Queen's shoulders). In small letters on the left, the artist's initials JC (for Jody Clark).

Running continuously around the rim is the monarch's legend, the date of issue and the face value: ELIZABETH II 1952 - 2022 · AUSTRALIA 2023 · 50 CENTS ·.

The legend is interrupted by the "memorial" inclusion of the dates of the Queen's reign, 1952 - 2022.

The reverse of the coin is coloured and depicts a five pointed Christmas star in the centre, surrounded by the flowers and fruit of the Ceratopetalum gummiferum "Christmas" bush native to New South Wales.

Below right, the monogram of the designer, LA (for Lydia Ashe).

Below, the date of issue 2023.

Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated.
Packaging: in a hanging decoration card available in a choice of five translucent summer colours, gilded with silver foil accents.
RAM Product Code: 11350.
Release date: 7 September 2023.
Release price: AU$ 12.50.

The coins were issued during the reign of King Charles III; however, as his effigy was not expected to be approved for use in Australia until late in the year, they feature a "memorial" obverse with the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II and the dates of her reign, 1952 - 2022.