Silver 50 cent coin, 1966

When decimal coinage was introduced to Australia in February, 1966 a new portrait of the Queen accompanied it. The portrait, seen here on the 1966 silver 50 cents coin, was by the London artist Arnold Machin. This coin was a special piece struck in London and sent to Australia as a sample of the new coinage. Round silver 50 cents pieces were only struck bearing the date 1966.

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Obverse – Bust of Elizabeth II facing right, and around it legend ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 1966.		Reverse – Arms of Australia with the denomination '50' below.

Transferred from Melbourne Mint, 1978