Silver Ounce 2023 Happy Birthday, 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The Queen also wears the Coronation Necklace; originally made for Queen Victoria in 1858, it was also worn at the coronations (as Queen's Consort) of Queen Alexandra in 1902, Queen Mary in 1911 and Queen Elizabeth (the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) and extends almost to the rim of the coin; consequently, the legend does not run continuously around the rim.

The artist's initials JC (for Jody Clark) are in tiny letters below left.

Around the effigy is the monarch's legend and the date: ELIZABETH II 1952 - 2022 · AUSTRALIA · 1 DOLLAR ·.

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

The reverse design portrays coloured images of gifts, balloons and a birthday spread, comprising a cake, cupcakes, fruit and lemonade.

On two lines at centre, the inscription HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

In smaller letters below, the date of issue and the precious metal content: 2023 1oz 9999 SILVER (one troy ounce of 99.99% silver).

Below right, the P mint mark of the Perth Mint. Below left, the initials of the designer: IJ (for Ing Ing Jong).

Finish: proof, coloured.
Packaging: in a gold and silver foiled gift card with "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" printed on the front.
Perth Mint SKU: 23M69AAD.
Release date: 3 February 2023.
Release price: AU$ 124.99.

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.