26/02/2003
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's lifelong ties with Australia are highlighted in the Royal Australian Mint's tribute to the 50th Anniversary of her Coronation.
Designer Peter Soobik, from Orange NSW, has included Australia's Federation Star, the Southern Cross and sprigs of wattle in his design for the Mint's gold and silver Two Coin Coronation Set to signify Her Majesty's renowned affection for and commitment to the people of Australia.
Officially approved by Buckingham Palace, the prestigious Coronation Set, limited in mintage to only 2003 sets world-wide, includes a $100 coin struck in pure 24 carat gold and a fine silver 50c piece.
The coins' designs incorporate key ceremonial and personal aspects to reflect the splendour of the occasion and celebrate Her Majesty's glorious 50 years as our Queen.
The gold coin features the youthful image of the newly-crowned Queen accepting her destiny with maturity and assuredness.
"I wanted to emphasise the person behind the monarch," Soobik explains, "To show a young woman taking on a huge responsibility with the inevitable mixture of emotions."
The silver proof coin features a modernistic and slightly abstract composition of royal insignia and national emblems, highlighted by the prominent positioning of the crown over the Queen's personal cypher : EIIR.
"The triptych arrangement of the design can be seen as a pair of grand ceremonial doors opening out to reveal an historic reign."
Soobik said both 2003 dated designs were progressions of his designs from the Mint's companion Accession Set which was released in 2002.
"This historic issue completes the Mint's Golden Jubilee commemoration of Her Majesty's progression to the throne," said Controller of the Mint, Vivienne Thom.
The Coronation Set comes elegantly housed in a plush red presentation case with gold-plate silver inscription plate, and accompanied by a booklet containing the Certificate of Authenticity.
The 50c silver proof coin is also available independently.
"2003 will bring back to many the memory of a beautiful young princess seated in Westminster Abbey to recite the royal oath and be crowned Queen," said Dr Thom: "Both these issues form a glorious tribute to the historic event, recalling the eminence and elegance of an occasion that was to shape a lifetime."
| Coin | Description | Download |
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Coronation Gold 700 x 700 pixel TIFF |
JPG 1.0MB (Zip) |
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Coronation Silver 700 x 700 pixel TIFF |
JPG 1.0MB (Zip) |