Australia Florin: 1954 Royal Visit

54REV.JPG

Quick Coinage Facts

Years Minted: 1954
Composition: 0.50 silver, 0.40 copper, 0,05 Zinc, 0.05 Nickel
Diameter Type: 28.5  mm
Weight: 11.31 grams ( 0.1818 ounces of silver)
Total Series Mintage: 2,000,000
Obverse Design: Bust Design
Reverse Design: Coat of Arms
Unique Features: Reeded

Introduction

In 1954 Queen Elizabeth II became the first reigning monarch to tour Australia.
Aside from being the first tour of a reigning monarch, it was also the first royal tour to Australia in twenty years, and its scale was immense.

To commemorate the occasion a special circulating commemorative florin was issued by the Melbourne Mint with a 50% silver composition.

Description

The obverse design remained unchanged from the previous year with the exception of returning the religious title of “FIDEI DEFENSOR” or “F:D”  to the legend. Designed by Mary Gillick, the obverse features the image of a young Queen Elizabeth II facing right. On the outer periphery is the legend “DEI GRATIA REGINA F:D” (By the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith) and “ELIZABETH II”.   .

The reverse, designed by William Leslie Bowles, features the British Lion and Australian Kangaroo stantint shoulder to shoulder. Below the design are the designer's initials “WLB. On the outer periphery is the country & denomination “AUSTRALIA FLORIN” and year of issue.

Obverse Reverse
54OBV.JPG   54REV.JPG
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