In brief
The Royal Australian Mint has introduced commemorative coins to mark the 100th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II, but the designs have drawn widespread criticism for their lack of resemblance to the late monarch. Social media reactions include negative comments likening the portrait to various fictitious characters. While some collectors have expressed positivity towards the coins, the mint defended the design, stating it captures the essence of the original concept. Despite backlash, the coins have sold out quickly.
Two commemorative coins, released by the Royal Australian Mint and bearing a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, have been criticized 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. Social media comments included remarks such as, There's a reason most portraits are from the side. Looks like she just ran into a wall, and If I saw that face without the hairdo and pearls, would never guess who it was meant to be. Comparisons have been made with TV characters, including Mrs. Doubtfire.Other people were more positive about the design, which was created by one of the mint's artists. Awesome. I'm glad they put something out to do with Queen Elizabeth II, she deserves to have Recognition In a Special Way, one user wrote.Despite the criticism, collectors reported that the ballot was fully subscribed. Australian media quoted a spokesperson for the Royal Australian Mint as saying that the silver proof coins had sold out, and there were limited stocks left in their contact center and shop. The mint created 30,000 of the 50c coins and 5,000 of the $5—none of which will enter general circulation. Besides the Queen's portrait, the coins feature designs reflecting her life, including motifs of a horse and corgi, references to the arts, and flowers like roses. The reverse of the coins showcases a profile of King Charles.
