Obverse. Photo © Downies
  • 2 Cents 1985-1991, KM# 79, Australia, Elizabeth II
  • 2 Cents 1985-1991, KM# 79, Australia, Elizabeth II
Description

Normal circulating 1 and 2 cent coins were demonetised in February 1992 and after removal from circulation, the coins were melted down to make bronze medals for the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.

Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary; 1926–2022) was Queen of the United Kingdom and of 14 other Commonwealth realms. Her reign of 70 years and seven months, which began on 6 February 1952, was the longest of any British monarch in history.

When her father died in February 1952, Elizabeth—then 25 years old—became queen regnant of seven independent Commonwealth countries: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, and Ceylon (Sri Lanka), as well as Head of the Commonwealth. Elizabeth reigned as a constitutional monarch through major political changes such as the Troubles in Northern Ireland, devolution in the United Kingdom, the decolonisation of Africa, and the United Kingdom's accession to the European Communities and withdrawal from the European Union. The number of her realms varied over time as territories have gained independence and some realms have become republics.

Times of personal significance have included the births and marriages of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, her coronation in 1953 and the celebrations of her Silver, Golden, Diamond, and Platinum jubilees in 1977, 2002, 2012, and 2022, respectively.

Obverse

The third crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem and drop earrings.

The George IV State Diadem, officially the Diamond Diadem, is a type of crown that was made in 1820 for King George IV. The diadem is worn by queens and queens consort in procession to coronations and State Openings of Parliament. The piece of jewellery has been featured in paintings and on stamps and currency. It can be seen in the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

Engraver: Raphael David Maklouf

ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 1990
RDM

Reverse

The frilled-neck lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingii), also known as the frilled lizard, frilled dragon or frilled agama, is a species of lizard which is found mainly in northern Australia and southern New Guinea.

Engraver: Stuart Devlin

2
SD

Edge

2 Cents

3rd portrait
KM# 79 Schön# 66
Characteristics
Material Bronze
Weight 5.2 g
Diameter 21.6 mm
Thickness 1.5 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal

Related coins

2nd portrait

Bronze, 5.2 g, ⌀ 21.6 mm
4th portrait

Bronze, 5.18 g, ⌀ 21.59 mm