Platinum Ounce 2023 Mythical Creatures - Basilisk, 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The Queen also wears the Coronation Necklace; originally made for Queen Victoria in 1858, it was also worn at the coronations (as Queen's Consort) of Queen Alexandra in 1902, Queen Mary in 1911 and Queen Elizabeth (the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 · 1 oz 9995 Pt 100 DOLLARS.

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

The inscription around the rim also incorporates the precious metal content. "1 oz 9995 Pt" means "one troy ounce of 99.95% platinum".

The reverse of the coin portrays a basilisk in flight, approaching its mountain cave.

Around above, the inscription MYTHICAL CREATURES BASILISK.

The mint mark P of the Perth Mint is on the right. The designer's initials NM (for Natasha Muhl) are at the base of the rock below left.

The face value and the precious metal content are on the obverse.

Platinum content (Troy oz): 1.000
Finish: proof.
Packaging: accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity, the coin is housed in a classic display case with a timber lid, and an illustrated shipper.
Perth Mint SKU: 23L10AAA.
Release date: 14 November 2023.
Release price: AU$ 2,999.00.

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.