Australian Commemorative Coins for Queen Elizabeth II Spark Resemblance Controversy
The Royal Australian Mint has released two new silver coins to commemorate the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II's birth, but the designs have ignited a heated debate among collectors and the public. The $5 and 50c coins, which were made available through an online ballot that closed recently, have been criticised for failing to accurately portray the late monarch, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 96.
Social Media Comparisons to Film and TV Characters
On various social media platforms, collectors have engaged in lively discussions about the queen's portrait on the coins. Many have argued that the depiction lacks regality and instead bears a closer resemblance to popular fictional characters. Specific comparisons have been drawn to Shrek, the animated ogre from the DreamWorks film series, as well as Mrs Doubtfire, portrayed by Robin Williams in the 1990s comedy, and Mrs Brown from the Irish sitcom Mrs Brown's Boys. One collector commented on a Facebook post from the mint, stating, "Doesn't even look remotely like her," while another joked, "Is this what happens when the queen is not around to approve the design?"
Mint's Defence and Design Details
In response to the criticism, the Royal Australian Mint issued a statement defending the portrait, explaining, "Our coin images don't always capture the full beauty of a design once it's etched in metal." The design features a front-facing portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, surrounded by symbolic elements representing her life and interests, including:
- Horses and corgis, reflecting her love for animals
- Theatre and art motifs
- Her favourite flowers, roses and lily of the valley
Despite the controversy, some collectors have praised the image, describing it as "awesome" and "beautiful," noting that it was created by one of the mint's own artists.
Limited Edition Release and Sales Information
The mint produced a limited number of these collector's items, with 30,000 of the 50c coins and 5,000 of the $5 pieces available. According to Australian media reports, the silver proof coins have already sold out, and only limited stocks remain at the mint's contact centre and physical shop. Importantly, these coins are not intended for general circulation and are solely for collectors. The reverse sides of the coins feature a profile portrait of King Charles, the queen's son, adding to their commemorative value.
This release highlights the challenges in creating numismatic tributes that balance artistic interpretation with public expectation, especially for a figure as iconic as Queen Elizabeth II.
