Coin Portrait of Late Queen Draws Criticism in Australia
Two commemorative coins, issued by the Royal Australian Mint to celebrate the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth, have sparked controversy over their portrayal of the late monarch. Released as both a $5 and a 50-cent silver coin, these items have drawn mixed reactions from the public.
– Mint’s Release and Public Response
– The coins were made available in an online ballot that concluded on Wednesday.
– Critics have voiced their discontent online, with one user stating, That’s got to be the most unpleasant portrait on a coin.
– The Royal Australian Mint has defended its design, explaining, Our coin images don’t always capture the full beauty of a design once it’s etched in metal.
– Critiques of the Design
– Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 96, holds the record as the UK’s longest-serving monarch.
– Several comments on social media compared the coin design unfavorably to various TV characters, including Mrs. Doubtfire, the well-loved character portrayed by Robin Williams.
– One critic remarked, There’s a reason most portraits are from the side. Looks like she just ran into a wall, while another said, If I saw that face without the hairdo and pearls, I would never guess who it was meant to be.
– Support for the Coin Design
– Despite the backlash, there were also supporters of the coin’s design. A social media user expressed appreciation, stating, Awesome. I’m glad they put something out to do with Queen Elizabeth II; she deserves recognition in a special way.
– Another enthusiast commented positively on the appearance of the coin, saying it looks like a beautiful coin.
– Collector’s Interest and Design Features
– The coin ballot quickly filled up, and reports indicate that the silver proof coins have sold out, with only limited stock remaining at the mint.
– According to the Royal Australian Mint, they produced 30,000 of the 50-cent coins and 5,000 of the $5 coins, all intended as collector’s items rather than for general circulation.
– In addition to Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait, the coins include designs that symbolize her life and legacy, featuring:
– Motifs of a horse and corgi
– Elements representing the arts and culture
– Favorite flowers including roses and lily of the valley
– Australia’s national floral emblem, the golden wattle
– Honoring Her Legacy
– The designs incorporate Her Majesty’s Royal Cypher, a stylized St Edward’s Crown, and the Auxiliary Territorial Service emblem to acknowledge her wartime service and sense of duty.
– Conversely, the reverse side showcases a profile portrait of her son, King Charles.
The release of these commemorative coins highlights both the admiration and criticism surrounding Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy and serves as a reflection of her enduring impact on Australia.