In brief
Two new commemorative coins issued by the Royal Australian Mint, meant to honor the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II's birth, are facing criticism for not accurately resembling the late monarch. While many users expressed dissatisfaction with the design online, some collectors still showed enthusiasm, with the ballot for the coins fully subscribed. The mint defended its design, stating that it may not fully capture the original essence once etched in metal.
Two commemorative coins, released by the Royal Australian Mint and bearing a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, have been criticised for their lack of resemblance to the late monarch. The $5 (£2.56) and 50 cent silver coins, created to commemorate the centenary of the Queen's birth, were released in an online ballot that closed on Wednesday. That's got to be the most unpleasant portrait on a coin, said one of several people who reacted negatively online. The Royal Australian Mint defended the portrait, saying: Our coin images don't always capture the full beauty of a design once it's etched in metal.Queen Elizabeth II died in 2022 at the age of 96 and was the UK's longest serving monarch. Additionally, social media users shared humorous comments including comparisons to various TV characters, with one claiming, Looks like she just ran into a wall. Despite the criticism, collectors reported that the ballot was fully subscribed. Australian media noted that the silver proof coins had sold out, with limited stocks remaining in the mint's contact center and shop. The mint specified that it created 30,000 of the 50c coins and 5,000 of the $5, all of which are collector's items that won't enter general circulation.In addition to the Queen's portrait, the coins feature designs symbolically reflecting her life and legacy, including motifs of her favorite animals and flowers. The back of the coins features a portrait of King Charles, the Queen's son.
