Information about legend: + ELIZABETH · II · DEI · GRATIA · REGINA

Translated from Latin: Elizabeth the Second, by the grace of God, Queen.

The cross was used on Medieval English coins to assist in reading the (somewhat cryptic at the time) legends by showing where the legend starts. Later, some other symbols were also used in its place serving also the role of mint marks.

Reference to the role of Queen Elizabeth II as "Defender of the Faith" (F: D: or FIDEI DEF.) in the obverse legend was omitted in the 1953 issue of coins for Australia but after extensive complaints it was returned first on the commemorative florin for the Royal visit in 1954, then on all coinage from 1955. In the United Kingdom, the legend was used until 1970.