The design for the final Australian coin to feature the Queen has been revealed, with one key difference to previous ones.
The final design of a coin featuring Queen Elizabeth’s profile has been released by the Royal Australian Mint.
Since ascending the throne in 1953, six portraits of the Queen have appeared on Australian coins and next year the late monarch will feature for the last time.
The new design featuring the Queen was unveiled this week, after her death in September at the age of 96, and will include her familiar profile but with a notable difference.
Featuring British engraver Jody Clark’s portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, the memorial coin’s notable addition will include the Queen’s 70 years of reign and will read ‘Elizabeth II 1952-2022’.
The coin has been called Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Obverse and will be released in January 2023.
Existing coins bearing the Queen’s profile will remain in circulation and continue to be legal tender forever.
In the coming months, the Australian Government will announce details of the transition to the profile of King Charles III for all Australian coins.
Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury Andrew Leigh said: “This final series of collectable coins will serve as a lasting tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and a reminder for all Australians of her 70 years of service to Australia and the Commonwealth.
“We expect to be able to announce the design of the first King Charles III coins early in 2023, with coins featuring this effigy to be released late in 2023.”
Royal Australian Mint CEO Leigh Gordon said there would be a period of transition.
“Our fundamental obligation is to ensure that circulating coins are available for all Australians,” he said.
“Until circulating coins with the effigy of King Charles III have been produced, the Mint will continue to service the demand for coins using the standard 2022 Queen Elizabeth obverse.”
The new coin will be produced at the Perth Mint in Western Australia.
Perth Mint CEO Jason Waters said it was delighted to feature the new design on selected coins from January.
“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s dedication to public life is unparalleled and it is our honour to pay tribute to her service with the Memorial Obverse marking her reign,” he said.