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 on Thursday in an online ballot.
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, stating: 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.
There's a reason most portraits are from the side. Looks like she just ran into a wall, one person commented underneath a Facebook post from the mint.
If I saw that face without the hairdo and pearls, would never guess who it was meant to be, another said.
Comparisons have been made with various TV characters, including Mrs Doubtfire, the beloved fictional housekeeper played by the late Robin Williams.
However, not all reactions have been negative. Some users praised the design, with one stating: Awesome. I'm glad they put something out to do with Queen Elizabeth II, she deserves to have recognition in a special way. Despite the criticism, collectors reported that the ballot was fully subscribed and the mint announced that the silver proof coins had sold out, with limited stocks remaining.
According to the mint's website, 30,000 of the 50c coins and 5,000 of the $5 coins were created. The coins not only featured the Queen's portrait but also included motifs representing her love for culture and animals, with designs reflecting her life and legacy.
The back of the coins features a portrait of King Charles, her son, in profile.
