Commemorative Queen Elizabeth Coin Sparks Outrage Over 'Mrs Doubtfire' Likeness
A commemorative coin released to honour what would have been the late Queen Elizabeth II's 100th birthday has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with many social media users deriding the portrait as bearing an unfortunate resemblance to fictional characters such as Mrs Doubtfire. The coin, issued by the Australian Royal Mint, was intended to celebrate the monarch's centenary on April 21, but its design has instead become the subject of widespread mockery and debate.
Design Details and Public Backlash
The $5 and 50 cent silver coins, created by artist Alex Stokic, feature a full frontal portrait of the Queen in her later years, a departure from the traditional profile depictions seen on royal coinage throughout her reign. The artwork is surrounded by floral designs, her royal cypher, and motifs of horses and corgis, symbolically reflecting aspects of her life and legacy. However, upon its release through a national ballot on Wednesday, the coin quickly went viral, with countless individuals taking to social media to express their disapproval.
Many commenters asserted that the portrait "doesn't even look like her," with one user declaring it "the most unpleasant portrait on a coin." Comparisons to Mrs Brown from Mrs Brown's Boys and Mrs Doubtfire, the character portrayed by the late Robin Williams, were rampant. A royal fan noted, "There's a reason most portraits are from the side. Looks like she just ran into a wall," while another remarked, "If I saw that face without the hairdo and pearls, would never guess who it was meant to be."
Mint's Defence and Symbolic Elements
In response to the backlash, the Royal Australian Mint defended the design, explaining that photographs often fail to capture the intricate details once etched in silver. The mint emphasised that the coin incorporates various symbolic elements honouring Queen Elizabeth II's contributions. These include references to art and theatre, acknowledging her support for culture, as well as motifs of roses and lily of the valley, some of her favourite flowers. The golden wattle, Australia's national floral emblem, is also featured.
The design additionally includes Her Majesty's Royal Cypher, a stylised St Edward's Crown, and the Auxiliary Territorial Service emblem, recognising her wartime service and lifelong dedication to duty. Despite these thoughtful inclusions, the unflattering depiction has overshadowed the commemorative intent, particularly in Australia, where the nation continues to grapple with debates about its constitutional future and growing calls for a republic.
Mixed Reactions and Broader Implications
While the criticism has been intense, some individuals have expressed more positive views. One social media user wrote, "Looks awesome! I'm glad they put something out to do with Queen Elizabeth II, she deserves to have recognition in a special way on what would've been her 100th birthday." Nevertheless, the overwhelming response has been negative, highlighting the challenges of creating official tributes that resonate with the public.
This incident underscores the delicate balance between artistic interpretation and public expectation in commemorative items, especially for a figure as iconic as Queen Elizabeth II. As Australia reflects on its royal ties and potential republican aspirations, the coin's reception adds a layer of cultural commentary to the ongoing discourse about national identity and heritage.
