Australia. New Proof and BU Coins Mark the Centenary Anniversary of Birth of Queen Elizabeth II

This year, Australia and much of the Commonwealth remember not only a beloved and missed Monarch, but a remarkable life of devotion and humanity. Queen Elizabeth II’s story is interwoven with Australia’s own. Her historic visit in 1954 captured the nation’s imagination. From her Coronation in 1953, the new Queen’s effigy appeared on the nation’s coinage, and transitioned onto decimal-denominated coins from 1966, her likeness became a daily reminder of her enduring presence. Yet it was the Queen’s many passions that revealed the woman behind the Crown. Her wartime service with the Auxiliary Territorial Service reflected a sense of duty instilled from youth, an element of her life that she carried throughout her reign. Equally, her support for the arts nurtured creativity and cultural expression across the Commonwealth for seven decades. The Queen’s love of horses and corgis was well known, while family remained her greatest treasure as a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. All these facets of an extraordinary life have been stunningly captured on the reverse side of this new commemorative coin marking the centenary anniversary of her birth.

This commemorative design, created by artist Alexandra Stokic, her design honours the centenary anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth, symbolically reflecting the many facets of her life and legacy. Through a harmonious blend of these symbols captures the enduring spirit, grace and dedication that defined Her Majesty’s extraordinary life. The reverse side incorporates The Royal Cypher of Her Majesty with a stylised St. Edward’s crown and the Auxiliary Territorial Service emblem representing her wartime service. Her deep personal passions are woven into the composition with representations of a horse and corgi, playing tribute to her lifelong love for equestrianism and canine companions, while references to art and theatre celebrate her appreciation for culture. The front-facing portrait of Queen Elizabeth II is surrounded with roses, lily of the valley – a particular favourite of the Queen, myrtle as a symbol of love and loyalty and golden wattle as Australia’s national floral emblem. Below the primary design is the commemorative text placed along the lower rim that reads CENTENARY OF THE BIRTH OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II. The obverse includes the Commonwealth obverse effigy of HM King Charles III designed by engraver Dan Thorne. The denomination 5 DOLLARS (silver proof) or 50 CENTS is shown below the King’s likeness with the year 2026 included as part of the legend. 

The BU 50 Cent coins are housed in a coin-card format which includes illustrations and informative text. Each silver proof coin is encapsulated and presented in a custom environment-friendly two-piece case accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. For additional information, please visit the e-webshop of Australia Post – official distributors.