Australia switched to decimal currency on 14 February 1966. Prior to this, Australian currency was the old pounds, shillings and pence. The changeover was transformative as, for the first time, Australia’s coin designs were of Australian origins. Stuart Devlin’s winning designs of unique Australian fauna have stood the test of time and are as much loved by Australians today as they were 50 years ago. Devlin’s beautiful, intricate Australian Coat of Arms design has been chosen by the Royal Australian Mint as a worthy flag bearer for Australia’s celebrations of this anniversary.
Combining the shape of the original 1966 50c circulating coin, while featuring the edge profile and metal composition of the current 50c dodecagon coin, this unique gold plated release brings together the old and the new.
To globally recognise this significant milestone, the well-known 50 cent coin, with its original 1966 circular shape, will be dressed exquisitely in gold plating.