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Proof Coin - Sixpence, Australia, 1955 Reg. No: NU 5424

Summary:: Australia
Sixpence 1955
Mint: Melbourne

After much discussion the titles F:D:, removed at the start of the new reign, were returned to the obverse legend on the regular coinage (they had been returned on the Royal visit florin in 1954).
This was the first year that proof coins were prepared for numismatists at Melbourne since the 1930s.
Description:: A silver coin (19 mm diameter with milled edge) featuring a laureate head of Elizabeth II facing right; around, + ELIZABETH . II . DEI . GRATIA . REGINA . F: D:. The artist's initials M.G. appear incuse on the bust truncation.The reverse features the Ensigns Armorial of the Commonwealth of Australia, as authorised by Royal Warrent 7th May 1908 - composed of a simple shield enclosing a cross of Saint George on which are five six-pointed stars, around the outside of which are six small escutcheons, i.e., small shields. The shield is supported by a kangaroo and an emu standing on a grassy mound. Above the shield a crest, the seven-pointed star of Federation on a wreath. Below on a ribbon the motto ADVANCE AUSTRALIA is inscribed. Around above, SIXPENCE and below, between arrow heads, the date, 1955.
Acquisition Information:: Transfer from National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), 1976

Discipline:	Numismatics
Dimensions:	19 mm (Diameter)
Weight:	2.818 g (Weight)

More information

Themes this item is part of:	Numismatics & Philately Collection, HM Queen Elizabeth II (1926- ), Melbourne Mint, Medal Makers, Victoria, Australia, Deputy Masters of the Melbourne Branch of the Royal Mint, Closure of Melbourne Mint, Melbourne Mint during World War II, Establishment of Melbourne Mint, 1872, Melbourne Mint
Primary Classification:	COINS
Secondary Classification:	Australia
Tertiary Classification:	proof strikes
Series:	Pre-decimal
DateEra:	1955 AD
Denomination:	Sixpence
Obverse Description:	Laureate head of Elizabeth II facing right; around, + ELIZABETH . II . DEI . GRATIA . REGINA . F: D: The artist's initials M.G. appear incuse on the bust truncation.
Reverse Description:	Ensigns Armorial of the Commonwealth of Australia, as authorised by Royal Warrent 7th May 1908 - composed of a simple shield enclosing a cross of Saint George on which are five six-pointed stars, around the outside of which are six small escutcheons, i.e., small shields. The shield is supported by a kangaroo and an emu standing on a grassy mound. Above the shield a crest, the seven-pointed star of Federation on a wreath. Below on a ribbon the motto ADVANCE AUSTRALIA is inscribed. Around above, SIXPENCE and below, between arrow heads, the date, 1955.
Edge Description:	Milled
Inscriptions:	Obverse: + ELIZABETH . II . DEI . GRATIA . REGINA . F: D: M.G. Reverse: SIXPENCE 1955 ADVANCE AUSTRALIA
Shape:	round
Material:	Silver
Issued By:	HM Queen Elizabeth II, Australia
Mint:	Melbourne (Mint)
Artist:	Mary Gillick
Artist:	William Blakemore