Australian Commemorative Coins of Queen Elizabeth II Spark Mockery Over Portrait Design
New limited-edition coins marking the late monarch’s centenary receive widespread ridicule online for an unflattering depiction
Australia’s Royal Australian Mint has released limited-edition coins to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Queen Elizabeth II, only to face widespread online ridicule over the portrait chosen for the late monarch.
The commemorative pieces — a 50-cent coin and a $5 silver proof coin — were unveiled ahead of a ballot for collectors, with the Mint describing the design as intended to reflect the queen’s life and legacy through a front-facing image surrounded by symbols of her passions, including her love of horses, corgis, theatre, art and favourite flowers.
Despite the Mint’s characterization of the portrait as warm and dignified, many observers on social media took a markedly different view, dismissing the likeness as unflattering and failing to resemble the late queen.
Dozens of commenters drew humorous comparisons, likening the image to fictional characters such as Mrs Doubtfire and Shrek rather than the long-reigning sovereign, and questioning whether the depiction truly captured her features.
Others said the portrait looked as though “she just ran into a wall” and did not evoke the regal presence the queen was known for during her seven-decade reign.
In response to the backlash, the Royal Australian Mint acknowledged on social media that coin photography does not always capture the finer details of the metal etching, and reaffirmed its honour in marking Her Late Majesty’s centenary.
The Mint noted that the design was approved by relevant authorities and emphasised that the coins include symbolic elements to celebrate both the Crown and the woman behind it.
The limited edition silver proof coin sold out quickly through the ballot process, while a smaller number of coins remain available directly through the Mint’s contact centre and shop.
Although responses were mixed, some collectors praised aspects of the artistic design, describing the coins as beautiful and meaningful tributes to the queen’s life.
The reverse of the commemorative pieces features a classic profile of King Charles III, continuing the tradition of representing the reigning monarch on one side of Australia’s coinage.
The episode highlights the challenges of balancing artistic interpretation with public expectations when commemorating a widely admired historical figure with deep cultural significance across the Commonwealth.
The commemorative pieces — a 50-cent coin and a $5 silver proof coin — were unveiled ahead of a ballot for collectors, with the Mint describing the design as intended to reflect the queen’s life and legacy through a front-facing image surrounded by symbols of her passions, including her love of horses, corgis, theatre, art and favourite flowers.
Despite the Mint’s characterization of the portrait as warm and dignified, many observers on social media took a markedly different view, dismissing the likeness as unflattering and failing to resemble the late queen.
Dozens of commenters drew humorous comparisons, likening the image to fictional characters such as Mrs Doubtfire and Shrek rather than the long-reigning sovereign, and questioning whether the depiction truly captured her features.
Others said the portrait looked as though “she just ran into a wall” and did not evoke the regal presence the queen was known for during her seven-decade reign.
In response to the backlash, the Royal Australian Mint acknowledged on social media that coin photography does not always capture the finer details of the metal etching, and reaffirmed its honour in marking Her Late Majesty’s centenary.
The Mint noted that the design was approved by relevant authorities and emphasised that the coins include symbolic elements to celebrate both the Crown and the woman behind it.
The limited edition silver proof coin sold out quickly through the ballot process, while a smaller number of coins remain available directly through the Mint’s contact centre and shop.
Although responses were mixed, some collectors praised aspects of the artistic design, describing the coins as beautiful and meaningful tributes to the queen’s life.
The reverse of the commemorative pieces features a classic profile of King Charles III, continuing the tradition of representing the reigning monarch on one side of Australia’s coinage.
The episode highlights the challenges of balancing artistic interpretation with public expectations when commemorating a widely admired historical figure with deep cultural significance across the Commonwealth.
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