The Royal Australian Mint is facing criticism over two new commemorative coins featuring a portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Released to mark the centenary of the Queen's birth, the $5 and 50-cent silver coins have been described by some observers as lacking resemblance to the beloved monarch. Released following an online ballot, the coins were met with mixed feedback, with one commenter stating, 'That's got to be the most unpleasant portrait on a coin.'
In response to the backlash, a spokesperson for the Mint defended the design, explaining that the coin images do not always capture the complete beauty of the original artwork once etched in metal. Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 96, was the longest-serving monarch in British history.
Social media reactions ranged from humorous critiques to positive remarks. One user joked, 'It looks like she just ran into a wall,' while another compared the portrait to that of Mrs. Doubtfire, a character from a popular film. On a more positive note, some collectors expressed their excitement over the coins, emphasizing the importance of commemorating the Queen.
Reports indicate that the initial batch of these silver proof coins has sold out, reflecting the ongoing interest despite the criticism. The Mint created 30,000 of the 50-cent coins and 5,000 of the $5 coins. Each coin features not only the Queen's portrait but also designs symbolically reflecting her life and legacy, including motifs of horses, corgis, and significant floral representations.
In response to the backlash, a spokesperson for the Mint defended the design, explaining that the coin images do not always capture the complete beauty of the original artwork once etched in metal. Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 96, was the longest-serving monarch in British history.
Social media reactions ranged from humorous critiques to positive remarks. One user joked, 'It looks like she just ran into a wall,' while another compared the portrait to that of Mrs. Doubtfire, a character from a popular film. On a more positive note, some collectors expressed their excitement over the coins, emphasizing the importance of commemorating the Queen.
Reports indicate that the initial batch of these silver proof coins has sold out, reflecting the ongoing interest despite the criticism. The Mint created 30,000 of the 50-cent coins and 5,000 of the $5 coins. Each coin features not only the Queen's portrait but also designs symbolically reflecting her life and legacy, including motifs of horses, corgis, and significant floral representations.
