The Australian Mint says the two coins minted to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birthday are intended to portray her as a “stunning and celestial” figure.
Images of an uncirculated 50 cent coin and a commemorative silver proof coin were released Thursday, featuring the king’s face surrounded by horse and corgi motifs, floral details of roses, lily of the valley, myrtle and golden wattle, and the royal cipher of Queen Elizabeth II.
Ballots for both the silver proof coin and the uncirculated 50 cent coin filled up quickly after opening. (Royal Australian Mint)
Royal Australian Mint chief executive Emily Martin said the coin would serve as a “memory and tribute to a remarkable life”.
“This design celebrates the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth and reflects the many facets of her life – service, passion and humanity – captured in a way that speaks to the memory and legacy of a monarch whose dedication and presence left an indelible mark on Australia and the world,” she said.
However, Australian Mint artist Alex Stokic’s frontal portrait of the Queen has drawn criticism and anger from social media users.
“There’s a reason why most portraits are from the side. Looks like she just hit a wall,” one user wrote on the Royal Australian Mint’s Facebook page.
“No, stop it, don’t publish it, melt it all down and get a proper portrait of the Queen, not a screenshot of Mrs. Doubtfire,” he added, comparing the portrait of the Queen to the character played by the late comedian Robin Williams in the 1993 film of the same name.
User reactions to X range from “she seems in a really bad mood” to comparing the portrait to a “restored fresco of Jesus” in Spain.
Collectors rush
The coin was offered to collectors through a poll conducted by the Royal Australian Mint.
Thirty thousand 50 cent coins were minted, each worth $20.
Only 5,000 silver proof coins were released, each valued at $190.
Many on social media criticized the Queen’s portrait, while others expressed frustration at not being able to take part in online voting.
On the online auction site eBay, 50 cent coins were listed for prices between $5 and $15, above their original selling price of $20, and silver proof coins were listed for $265 and $289 on Saturday.