Two Dollars 2023 Vietnam War, 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The Queen also wears the Coronation Necklace; originally made for Queen Victoria in 1858, it was also worn at the coronations (as Queen's Consort) of Queen Alexandra in 1902, Queen Mary in 1911 and Queen Elizabeth (the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) and extends almost to the rim of the coin; consequently, the legend does not run continuously around the rim.

The artist's initials JC (for Jody Clark) are in tiny letters below left.

Around the effigy is the monarch's legend and the date: ELIZABETH II 1952 - 2022 · AUSTRALIA 2023.

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

The reverse of the coin depicts at its centre a military helicopter. Surrounding the centre is a multi-coloured band representing medal ribbons.

Around above, the inscription VIETNAM WAR.

Around below, surrounded by two small seven-pointed Australian Federation stars, the face value and denomination 2 DOLLARS.

Between the S in DOLLARS and one of the stars, the C (for Canberra) mint mark of the Royal Australian Mint; this is normally used on commemorative coins only - regular circulation coins made by the mint do not have a mint mark.

Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated.
Packaging: in blister card.
RAM Product Code: 11174.
Date of issue: 6 April 2023.
Issue price: AU$ 15.00.

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.