Controversial Coin Features Queen Elizabeth II's Portrait in Australia

Sat Feb 07 2026 01:01:48 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The release of commemorative coins featuring Queen Elizabeth II has sparked criticism due to their unflattering portrayal. While some praised the design, others pointed out the resemblance issues and voiced their opinions on social media.

In Australia, the Royal Australian Mint's release of two commemorative coins honoring Queen Elizabeth II has drawn mixed reactions. Critics have remarked on the poor likeness of the late monarch's image, while some collectors appreciated the tribute. Despite the backlash, demand for the coins remains high, with both versions sold out.

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, stating, Our coin images don't always capture the full beauty of a design once it's etched in metal. Queen Elizabeth II passed away in 2022 at the age of 96, marking the end of her record-breaking reign.

One early online commentator remarked, There's a reason most portraits are from the side. Looks like she just ran into a wall, while another quipped that without the royal attributes, they wouldn't recognize the coin's subject. Comparisons were even made to Mrs Doubtfire, the beloved character played by Robin Williams.

Despite the backlash, some users praised the coins, stating, Awesome. I'm glad they put something out to do with Queen Elizabeth II, she deserves to have Recognition In a Special Way. The mint confirmed that the ballot was fully subscribed, with collectors eager for these new additions.

The mint created 30,000 of the 50c coins and 5,000 of the $5 coins, all designed as collector's items rather than for circulation. Each coin also features elements reflecting Queen Elizabeth II's life, including motifs of a horse and corgi, artistic references, and floral symbols like the golden wattle. The reverse side features a portrait of her son, King Charles, honoring the royal legacy.