Royal Visit coin, 1954

The visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Australia in 1954 was an occasion of great celebration. Ornate red, white and blue coloured pins were worn by loyal subjects as they watched the Queen drive passed. A special commemorative coin depicting the lion of England visiting the kangaroo of Australia was also struck.

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Coin Reverse – A lion and a kangaroo standing together facing right above them the legend AUSTRALIA FLORIN and below the date 1954. The small letters WLB set into the ground are the initials of artist WL Bowles.

Pin donated by Ian Armstrong, 1984

Coin transferred from National Gallery of Victoria, 1976