Two commemorative coins released by the Royal Australian Mint to mark the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth have triggered widespread debate, with critics taking to social media to question the likeness of the late monarch depicted on the designs. Despite the backlash, strong demand from collectors has seen the coins quickly sell out or near sell-out through the mint’s official channels.
The $5 and 50-cent silver coins, which feature a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, were made available through an online ballot process that concluded on Wednesday. Soon after images of the coins began circulating online, several users expressed disappointment with the front-facing portrait, arguing that it bore little resemblance to the Queen, who died in 2022 at the age of 96 after becoming the longest-reigning monarch in British history.
Social media platforms were flooded with comments, some sharply critical. One user described the image as an “unpleasant portrait,” while others questioned the decision to present the Queen head-on rather than in profile, a style traditionally used on coinage. Comparisons were drawn with fictional characters from popular culture, with some commenters suggesting the likeness was unflattering or difficult to recognise without the Queen’s signature hairstyle and pearls.
Responding to the criticism, the Royal Australian Mint defended the design, stating that coin imagery often appears different once translated into etched metal. A spokesperson noted that photographs and digital previews do not always capture the final effect of a sculpted coin and emphasised that the portrait was created by one of the mint’s experienced artists.
Not all reactions were negative. Several collectors and royal supporters welcomed the release, expressing appreciation that the Queen’s centenary had been marked with a special commemorative issue. Some users praised the effort to honour her legacy, while others voiced hope that they would be selected in the ballot to purchase one of the limited-edition coins. Comments also came from overseas, including from the United States, where at least one observer described the coin as “beautiful.”
Despite the mixed public response, interest in the coins remained strong. Collectors reported that the ballot was fully subscribed, and Australian media cited mint officials as saying the silver proof versions had sold out. Limited stock was still available through the mint’s contact centre and physical shop at the time of reporting.
According to details published on the Royal Australian Mint’s website, 30,000 of the 50-cent coins and 5,000 of the $5 coins were produced. All are designated as collector’s items and will not be released into general circulation.
Beyond the contested portrait, the coins include a range of symbolic elements representing different aspects of Queen Elizabeth II’s life and reign. These include imagery of a horse and a corgi, nods to her love of animals, as well as references to art and theatre highlighting her long-standing support for cultural institutions. Floral motifs such as roses, lily of the valley and Australia’s golden wattle also feature prominently. The design further incorporates the Queen’s Royal Cypher, the St Edward’s Crown and the Auxiliary Territorial Service emblem, recognising her wartime service and lifelong sense of duty.
