| Coin | Twenty Cents 1998 (Silver, 1910 Florin) |
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The Australian 20 cent coin was first introduced with decimalisation on 14 February 1966 when it replaced the pre-decimal Australian florin, to which it is equal in size and mass. The original reverse design by Stuart Devlin has not been changed since its introduction.
The denomination is occasionally used by both the Royal Australian Mint and the Perth Mint to issue collector coins, which are legal tender in Australia - such as this one.
This coin was part of the 9-coin set Matserpieces in Silver 1998 - Coins of the 20th Century - Milestones. The set depicts "milestones" of Australian currency - reverses of iconic coins released during the 20th Century; it contains eight coins denominated as 20 cents: Florin 1910 reverse, Canberra Florin 1927 reverse, Melbourne Florin 1934 reverse, Florin 1938 reverse, Federation Jubilee Florin 1951 reverse, Royal Visit Florin 1954 reverse, United Nations 20 Cents (the first circulating commemorative in the denomination) and a regular platypus-design 20 Cents; plus one coin denominated as 50 cents with the 1937 Crown reverse.
All of these coins have the Queen's Fourth Portrait by Ian Rank Broadley, while the regular circulation coins of the year had the earlier portrait by Maklouf (see the regular 20 cents for 1998).
The coins are made of 99.9% silver and were issued in Proof FDC grade only. No coins of this type were released into circulation. |
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| Obverse | |
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Crowned mature head of Queen Elizabeth II facing right (effigy known as the "Fourth Portrait"). The Queen wears the "Girls of Great Britain and Ireland" diamond tiara, a wedding gift from Queen Mary (Her Majesty's grandmother) in 1947 - which she also has on the Machin and the Gottwald portraits.
In tiny letters below the head, the artist's initials IRB (for Ian Rank-Broadley).
Around above the effigy is the monarch's legend and the date: ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 1998. Around below, · TWENTY CENTS ·
Note that the (real, legal tender) value and denomination are on the obverse. |
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| Reverse | |
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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, i.e., 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 ONE FLORIN - TWO SHILLINGS; below, between arrow heads, the date 1910.
This is a re-issue of the reverse design of the 1910 Florin. The actual (legal tender) value and denomination are on the obverse. |
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| Reverse Inscription |
ONE FLORIN - TWO SHILLINGS 1910 ADVANCE AUSTRALIA |
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| Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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| Notes | Not listed in Krause. |
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