| Coin | Five Cents 2019, First Portrait |
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The Australian 5 cent coin was first introduced with decimalisation on 14 February 1966 when it replaced the pre-decimal Australian sixpence. The original reverse design by Stuart Devlin has not been changed since its introduction.
The denomination is occasionally used by both the Royal Australian Mint and the Perth Mint to issue collector coins, which are legal tender in Australia - such as this one.
This coin was issued in a mint set marking the introduction of the Queen's Fifth Effigy in Australia, called Effigies Over Time. The set - with a mintage of 20, 000 - featured $2 with the Jody Clark portrait, $1 with the Gottwald portrait, 50 cents with the Ian Rank-Broadley portrait, 20 cents with the Maklouf portrait, 10 cents with the Machin portrait and 5 cents with the Mary Gillick portrait.
These coins are Non-Circulating Legal Tender (collector issue). No coins of this type have been released into circulation. |
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| Obverse | |
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The obverse of the coin shows the laureate young bust of Queen Elizabeth II facing right - her effigy known as the "First Portrait". The laurel wreath in the Queen's hair is tied with a ribbon with two ends flowing behind.
The designer's initials, M.G. (for Mary Gillick) appear incuse on the base of the shoulder truncation, and can be seen when the coin is viewed at an angle.
The monarch's legend runs continuously all around the bust: ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 2019.
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| Reverse | |
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The reverse of the coin depicts an echidna (also known as a spiny ant-eater) seen from below as it rolls into a protective ball.
The denomination numeral 5 [cents] is above the lower half of the animal.
The artist's initials SD (for Stuart Devlin) are below the numeral in (very) tiny letters. |
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| Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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| Notes | The coin was issued in Brilliant Uncirculated finish, in a special commemorative set only. |
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