2000 50 Cent Silver Proof Coin – The Royal Visit

The Royal Australian Mint produced this fine silver 50 cent coin to commemorate the visit to Australia in March 2000 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

A special new effigy was produced, which was only used for this commemorative coin and it became the fifth effigy of Her Majesty to appear on Australian coinage.  Buckingham Palace has given special approval for the Royal Visit coin to feature this effigy, designed by an Australian, and one of the Australian Mint’s designers, Vladimar Gottwald.  This is the first time since 1936 that an effigy of a monarch designed by an Australian has featured on Australian coinage. 

The Australian flag flying above Parliament House alongside an image of St Edward’s Crown, appears on the coin’s reverse.  The flag, which is the largest Commonwealth flag in the Southern Hemisphere, is supported by an 81-metre high towering mast.

The coin is encapsulated and rich red velvet has been chosen for the interior and the exterior of the presentation case which has a silver plated crown affixed to the lid.  The coin is accompanied by a descriptive booklet that includes a Certificate of Authenticity and is protected by a beauty box.

Denomination - 50 cent

Composition - Fine Silver (99.9%)

Weight - 18.24g

Diameter - 31.51mm

Finish - Proof

Worldwide Mintage Limit - 25,000

Mint - Royal Australian Mint