Coin | Five Cents 2024 Queen Elizabeth II |
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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 collector sets only. The date of issue is during the reign of King Charles III; however, the coins in the set feature various monarch effigies used in Australia since the introduction of decimal currency, and the 50 cents has a "memorial" obverse with the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Mary Gillick (her First Definitive Portrait) and the dates of her reign, 1952 - 2022. This portrait was used in Australia on pre-decimal coinage from 1953 to 1964.
No coins of this type were issued into circulation. |
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Obverse | |
The obverse of the coin shows the laureate young laureate 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 1952 - 2022 · AUSTRALIA 2024.
The legend is interrupted by the "memorial" inclusion of the dates of the Queen's reign, 1952 - 2022. |
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Reverse | |
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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