Fifty Cents 2025 Australian Honours System, Coin from Australia - detailed information

The Australian 50 cent denomination was first introduced as a silver coin with decimalisation on 14 February 1966, but was changed in 1969 to its current specifications: a large dodecagonal (12-sided) copper-nickel coin; apart from the usual design featuring the Australian Coat of Arms, the denomination is also extensively used to issue circulating commemorative coins with various reverses. It is one of the heaviest coins in regular circulation in the world.

Apart from circulating coins, the Royal Australian Mint has a range of Non-Circulating Legal Tender (NCLT) 50 cent coins issued for collectors, such as this one.

The Royal Australian Mint says about this commemorative coin:
This year we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Australian honours system. The anniversary is a chance to reflect on the extraordinary Australians that have been celebrated in the first five decades and think about the next 50 years of the Australian honours system.

First introduced in 1975, by then Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, the Australian honours system created a uniquely Australian way to celebrate those who have made a positive impact. In the fifty year since, more than 500,000 people have been recognised. Some are well known, while the vast majority are famous only to their loved ones. Their diverse contributions have helped shape the nation we are and are influencing the community we aspire to be.

The Royal Australian Mint acknowledges these inspirational Australians and how we, as a nation, honour them with this striking commemorative year set.