Queen Elizabeth II on Aussie Commem Coins Looks More Like an Unlikely Character than a Regal Icon
Aussie collectors were left scratching their heads when it was pointed out that Queen Elizabeth II's likeness on newly minted commemorative coins bears more resemblance to an ogre from the beloved children's film Shrek than the stately monarch herself. The Royal Australian Mint put these concerns to rest by stating that metal etching can alter a design's appearance, but not all were convinced.
The $5 coin and 50c silver issue were unveiled online, with collectors going wild on social media about their thoughts on Her Majesty's portrait. Some likened her image to Mrs Doubtfire from the hit '90s comedy film or even an episode of Mrs Brown's Boys, the popular Irish sitcom starring Brendan O'Carroll. The Shrek comparison, however, was perhaps the most enduring one.
While some collectors praised the coin's design as "awesome" and "beautiful", others were less than impressed, with one commenting that the image didn't bear even a faint resemblance to the late queen. Another quipped that it seemed like the royal family had overlooked Her Majesty when approving the coin's design while she was still on the job.
Interestingly, there's been a strong demand for these collectible coins, leading to sold-out stocks of silver proof pieces and limited supplies left at the mint's contact centre and shop. The Royal Australian Mint managed 30,000 of the 50c coins and just 5,000 of the $5 issues, all of which will be considered collector's items β not circulating coins.
It is worth noting that the coins also feature a portrait of King Charles III on their reverse side, likely an attempt to maintain some connection with the royal family despite controversy surrounding Queen Elizabeth II's likeness.
Aussie collectors were left scratching their heads when it was pointed out that Queen Elizabeth II's likeness on newly minted commemorative coins bears more resemblance to an ogre from the beloved children's film Shrek than the stately monarch herself. The Royal Australian Mint put these concerns to rest by stating that metal etching can alter a design's appearance, but not all were convinced.
The $5 coin and 50c silver issue were unveiled online, with collectors going wild on social media about their thoughts on Her Majesty's portrait. Some likened her image to Mrs Doubtfire from the hit '90s comedy film or even an episode of Mrs Brown's Boys, the popular Irish sitcom starring Brendan O'Carroll. The Shrek comparison, however, was perhaps the most enduring one.
While some collectors praised the coin's design as "awesome" and "beautiful", others were less than impressed, with one commenting that the image didn't bear even a faint resemblance to the late queen. Another quipped that it seemed like the royal family had overlooked Her Majesty when approving the coin's design while she was still on the job.
Interestingly, there's been a strong demand for these collectible coins, leading to sold-out stocks of silver proof pieces and limited supplies left at the mint's contact centre and shop. The Royal Australian Mint managed 30,000 of the 50c coins and just 5,000 of the $5 issues, all of which will be considered collector's items β not circulating coins.
It is worth noting that the coins also feature a portrait of King Charles III on their reverse side, likely an attempt to maintain some connection with the royal family despite controversy surrounding Queen Elizabeth II's likeness.