Silver Two Ounces 2023 Mother and Baby Kangaroo, 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The Queen also wears the Coronation Necklace; originally made for Queen Victoria in 1858, it was also worn at the coronations (as Queen's Consort) of Queen Alexandra in 1902, Queen Mary in 1911 and Queen Elizabeth (the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 · 2oz 9999 Ag 2 DOLLARS ·.

The inscription around the rim also incorporates the precious metal content. "2oz 9999 Ag" means "two troy ounces of 99.99% silver" - Ag is abbreviated from the Latin word for silver, Argentum.

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

The background is of radial lines radiating from the centre of the portrait.

The coin’s reverse portrays an image of a kangaroo and its joey in scrubland, on a background of radial lines.

In small letters on the mother kangaroo's foot, the designer's initials JM (for Jennifer McKenna). The Perth Mint's traditional P mint mark is on the left.

There is no inscription.

Silver content in Troy oz: 2.000
Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated, extra thick flan.
Packaging: in a protective plastic pouch.
Perth Mint SKU: 23528CAX
Release date: 1 May 2023.
Issue price: AU$ 88.63

For additional peace of mind, the coin incorporates an authentication feature in the form of a micro-laser engraved letter. Detectable under a magnifying glass, it is designed to make it significantly more difficult for the coin to be counterfeited.

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.