Silver Two Ounces 2023 Ningaloo Eclipse, 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The Queen also wears the Coronation Necklace; originally made for Queen Victoria in 1858, it was also worn at the coronations (as Queen's Consort) of Queen Alexandra in 1902, Queen Mary in 1911 and Queen Elizabeth (the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 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. "2 oz 9999 Ag" means "two ounces of 99.99% silver" - Ag is abbreviated from the Latin word for silver, Argentum.

The reverse is coloured and portrays the corals of the Ningaloo Reef and a whale shark, the world’s largest fish, beneath the darkened sky of the 2023 Ningaloo Total Solar Eclipse. The Sun appears black, with a thin halo around it.

On the left, the Perth Mint’s P mint mark. In small letters in the right field, the designer's initials: SR, for Sean Rogers.

Silver content (Troy oz): 2.000
Finish: antique, coloured, edge lettering.
Packaging: the coin is presented in a case, illustrated shipper and is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity. This packaging contains FSC certified paper products and other recycled materials.
Perth Mint SKU: 23O82AAA
Date of issue: 4 April 2023.
Issue price: AU$ 249.0 (incl. 10% GST), or AU$ 226.36 (ex GST) if sold outside Australia.

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.