Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 50 Cents 2005, KM# 769, Australia, Elizabeth II, Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games
  • 50 Cents 2005, KM# 769, Australia, Elizabeth II, Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games
Description

The commemorative fifty-cent coin, issued by the Royal Australian Mint, has been released into circulation. While the obverse is dated 2005, the reverse showcases "Melbourne 2006 XVIII Commonwealth Games." The design for the reverse was created by Kelly Just, a 16-year-old Victorian who emerged victorious in a nationwide secondary school competition.

This coin is part of the Special 18 Coin Set, which includes 16 other distinct NCLT 50 Cent coins and a $5 Aluminium Bronze NCLT Coin. Additionally, a Fine Silver (.999) version, enclosed in a capsule within an elegant box along with a limited edition certificate, was also released.

Obverse

Fourth crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara.

The Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara was a wedding present in 1947 from her grandmother, Queen Mary, who received it as a gift from the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland in 1893 on the occasion of her marriage to the Duke of York, later George V. Made by E. Wolfe & Co., it was purchased from Garrard & Co. by a committee organised by Lady Eve Greville. In 1914, Mary adapted the tiara to take 13 diamonds in place of the large oriental pearls surmounting the tiara. At first, Elizabeth wore the tiara without its base and pearls but the base was reattached in 1969. The Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara is one of Elizabeth's most recognisable pieces of jewellery due to its widespread use on British banknotes and coinage.

Engraver: Ian Rank-Broadley

ELIZABETH II
AUSTRALIA 2005
IRB

Reverse

Depiction of animals mimicking athletes as they are competing in the Games. Symbolic of the embracing spirit of the Commonwealth Games and Australia's unique fauna.

Designers: Vladimir Gottwald, Kelly Just

MELBOURNE 2006
50
XVIII COMMONWEALTH GAMES
KJ

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Cupronickel
Weight 15.55 g
Diameter 31.51 mm
Thickness 3 mm
Shape polygon
Sides 12
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Australian Mint (RAM)

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