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 non-circulating collector issue 20 cents coin was issued as part of the coin series celebrating world-famous Australian rock group AC/DC, and commemorates the 40th anniversary of Back in Black, their seventh album.
AC/DC are an Australian rock band formed in Sydney in 1973 by Scottish-born brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. Although their music has been variously described as hard rock, blues rock, and heavy metal, the band themselves call it simply "rock and roll". The band's line-up varied throughout the years; it did not disband though, and issued its latest album in 2020, 47 years after it was founded.
The Mint says: "To celebrate six milestone anniversaries of AC/DC album releases - including 45 years since their début album High Voltage - the Royal Australian Mint is releasing coin tributes to the vinyls that have electrified generations of music lovers. With shoot to thrill designs these cupro-nickel coins with colour print will be highly sought after by rock ‘n’ roll fans and gift buyers alike."
Two of the coins commemorating albums are dated 2021. All coins were distributed in packaging like a vinyl LP (there is a black vinyl ring in which the coin is inserted, with specifications and mintage printed on the obverse). The six coins commemorating albums were released individually, as well as in a seven-coin set; a seventh coin (dated 2021) featuring only the logo of AC/DC is only available in the set.
The coins were issued in Brilliant Uncirculated grade. Royal Australian Mint Product Code: 10582. Release price: A$15.00. |