Two commemorative coins, released by the Royal Australian Mint and bearing a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, have come under fire 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 made available on Thursday through an online ballot.
Reaction on social media was damning, with one user calling it the most unpleasant portrait on a coin. The Royal Australian Mint defended the design, stating, Our coin images don't always capture the full beauty of a design once it's etched in metal. Queen Elizabeth II, who served as the UK's longest-serving monarch, passed away in 2022 at the age of 96.
Further commentary on social media was scathing, with one user stating, Looks like she just ran into a wall, while another commented, If I saw that face without the hairdo and pearls, would never guess who it was meant to be, with some suggesting a resemblance to the character Mrs. Doubtfire.
Despite the criticism, there was a contingent that praised the design, noting the need to commemorate the Queen. Social media posts showcased mixed sentiments; one user expressed a desire to be selected for the coin, calling it a beautiful coin.
Notably, the coins quickly garnered attention, with reports indicating that the ballot was fully subscribed. According to Australian media quoting a Royal Australian Mint representative, the silver proof coins have sold out, with limited stocks remaining. The Mint created 30,000 of the 50c coins and 5,000 of the $5.
The coins feature designs reflecting various aspects of Queen Elizabeth II's life and legacy, incorporating motifs like horses and corgis, a stylized version of her royal cypher, and the Auxiliary Territorial Service emblem. The back of the coins showcases a profile of her son, King Charles.
