Australia's New Coin Featuring Queen Elizabeth II Faces Backlash Over Design

Sat Feb 07 2026 00:11:20 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A commemorative coin portrait of Queen Elizabeth II has drawn sharp criticism from the public in Australia for its unflattering depiction. The Royal Australian Mint defends its design as intricate yet acknowledges the mixed reactions from collectors.

The Royal Australian Mint's release of two commemorative coins featuring Queen Elizabeth II has provoked considerable backlash from Australian citizens who feel that the design poorly reflects the late monarch's likeness. The coins, issued to mark the centenary of her birth, have triggered online criticism with comments likening the portrayal to various TV characters. Despite the controversy, the mint reports a high demand for the coins, which are already sold out, reflecting a mix of admiration and critique regarding their design.

Two commemorative coins, released by the Royal Australian Mint and bearing a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, have been criticised for their lack of resemblance to the late monarch.

The $5 (£2.56) and 50 cent silver coins, created to commemorate the centenary of the Queen's birth, were released in an online ballot that closed on Wednesday.

That's got to be the most unpleasant portrait on a coin, said one of several people who reacted negatively online. The Royal Australian Mint defended the portrait, saying: Our coin images don't always capture the full beauty of a design once it's etched in metal. Queen Elizabeth II died in 2022 at the age of 96 and was the UK's longest serving monarch.

Commenters expressed their dissatisfaction on social media, with phrases such as, Looks like she just ran into a wall, while others stated they wouldn't recognize her without the iconic hairstyle and pearls.

Some comparisons were made with fictional characters, including Mrs. Doubtfire, a well-known character played by Robin Williams, indicating public perception may draw humorous parallels rather than reverence.

However, not all feedback was negative. Some users appreciated the attempt to celebrate the Queen's legacy, with comments praising the mint for producing something significant.

Despite the criticisms, the mint reported that the ballot was fully subscribed, and Australian news sources indicated the silver proof coins had sold out, with limited stock remaining. The mint created 30,000 of the 50c coins and 5,000 of the $5 coins - all intended as collector’s items, with plans for them not to enter general circulation.

In addition to the Queen's likeness, the designs incorporate symbolic elements reflecting her life, including motifs of a horse and corgi, and features acknowledging her support for culture and arts. The coins also display elements of her royal cypher and the Auxiliary Territorial Service emblem, celebrating her wartime service and sense of duty.

On the reverse side, the coins feature a profile portrait of King Charles, marking the continuity of royal representation in Australian currency.