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.
This coloured coin is meant as a gift for Celebrations to "mark birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, baby arrivals, graduations, new jobs, promotions and sporting achievements".
These coins are Non-Circulating Legal Tender (collector issue). No coins of this type have been released into circulation. |