Queen Elizabeth II’s Legacy

The Perth Mint has released a three-coin set marking the late Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birthday. The pieces honor her lifelong service, devotion, and resilience as the longest-serving British monarch.

When her father died in February 1952, Queen Elizabeth II became queen of the seven Commonwealth nations (the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, and Ceylon). She reigned as a constitutional monarch through several significant political changes, such as the Troubles in Northern Ireland, the devolution in the United Kingdom, and the decolonization of Africa. She was the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, the 70th anniversary of ascending to the throne. 

The Coins

The first coin bears the five effigies of Queen Elizabeth II featured on Perth Mint coins from distinct periods of her historic reign (1952-2022). The background features Australia’s national floral emblem, the golden wattle. Arranged clockwise in the spaces between the effigies are the St. Edward’s Crown, Sovereign’s Orb, Tudor Rose, and Sovereign’s Sceptre. 

The second example features a stylized representation of the 1954 commemorative florin that marked Elizabeth II’s first visit to Australia. The design features a lion and a kangaroo standing side by side, symbolizing the bond between the United Kingdom and Australia. The animals, as well as the coin’s outer rim, are gilded in 24-karat gold.

The final coin depicts the queen in full color wearing the famous wattle dress from her 1954 tour of Australia. In the background is a stylized representation of the wattle brooch she received during the visit.

Each reverse features the inscription H.M. QUEEN ELIZABETH II 100TH ANNIVERSARY around the central design. Natasha Muhl designed the reverses, and Dan Thorne’s effigy of King Charles III appears on the common obverse.

The 1-ounce silver coins are available on the Perth Mint’s website individually (mintages of 7,000, 3,926, and 2,000, respectively) or as a set (2,000).