Summary
Australia
Florin 1953
Mint: Melbourne
This was the first issue for Elizabeth II. This is a specimen strike (sometimes called a proof). Specimens were produced this year for official purposes only.
Physical Description
A silver coin (28 mm diameter with milled edge) featuring on the obverse a laureate bust of Elizabeth II facing right; around, ELIZABETH II . DEI . GRATIA . REGINA + The reverse is based on the arms of the Commonwealth of Australia, as authorised by Royal Warrant 19 September 1912 - composed of a shield divided into six parts, each containing a representation of the badge of a State (although that of South Australia is depicted as three sheaves of wheat above a rising sun instread of the authorised Piping Shrike). The shield is supported by a kangaroo and an emu standing on a grassy mound accompanied by small branches of wattle. Above the shield is a crown instead of the Federation star. Around above, FLORIN between two seven pointed stars; and below, in the exergue, the date, 1953 curved below which, AUSTRALIA. The artist's initials KG are in the field above the back of the emu.
Obverse Description
Bust of Elizabeth II laureate right; around, + ELIZABETH . II . DEI . GRATIA . REGINA
Reverse Description
The reverse is based on the arms of the Commonwealth of Australia, as authorised by Royal Warrant 19 September 1912 - composed of a shield divided into six parts, each containing a representation of the badge of a State (although that of South Australia is depicted as three sheaves of wheat above a rising sun instread of the authorised Piping Shrike). The shield is supported by a kangaroo and an emu standing on a grassy mound accompanied by small branches of wattle. Above the shield is a crown instead of the Federation star. Around above, FLORIN between two seven pointed stars; and below, in the exergue, the date, 1953 curved below which, AUSTRALIA. The artist's initials KG are in the field above the back of the emu.
Edge Description
Milled
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Transfer from Melbourne Branch of Royal Mint, 1978
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Date Issued
1953 AD
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Issued By
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Mint
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Artist
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Artist
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Inscriptions
Obverse: + ELIZABETH . II . DEI . GRATIA . REGINA Reverse: FLORIN 1953 AUSTRALIA
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Denomination
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Series
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Material
Silver
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Axis
12
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Dimensions
28.5 mm (Outside Diameter), 11.288 g (Weight)
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Shape
Round
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References
[Article] Pearce, Murray. 1987. Royal Titles and Australian Coins: the "Defender of the Faith" Controvercy of 1953. Journal of the Numismatic Association of Australia. 3: 12-17.
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Keywords