Sixpence 1955, Coin from Australia - detailed information

The obverse of the coin shows the laureate young 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 · DEI · GRATIA · REGINA · F: D:. Translated from Latin: Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith.

The reverse features the Ensigns Armorial of the Commonwealth of Australia, as authorised by Royal Warrant 7th May 1908.

At centre, simple shield enclosing a cross of Saint George on which are five six-pointed stars, around the outside of which are six small escutcheons (small shields). The shield is supported by a kangaroo and an emu standing on a grassy mound. Above the shield a crest, the seven-pointed star of Federation on a wreath and on a ribbon at the base the motto ADVANCE AUSTRALIA is inscribed.

Around above, the denomination SIXPENCE; below, between arrow heads, the date 1955.

After much discussion the titles F: D:, removed at the start of the new reign, were returned to the obverse legend on the regular coinage (they had been returned on the Royal Visit Florin in 1954).

This was the first year that proof coins were prepared for collectors by the Melbourne Mint since the 1930s.