The 1991 decimal coinage, or Royal Australian Mint, fifty cent was issued to commemorate 25 years since the introduction
of decimal currency. Just shy of 5 million pieces were produced
for circulation and the coins were not distributed in mint rolls making top grade circulation strikes
rare. The 1991 masterpieces in silver set also featured this coin struck in sterling silver. The
reverse was designed by Horst Hahne and shows the artists impression of a ram which are also the initials of the
mint that produced it. It also contains the
legend
25TH ANNIVERSARY OF DECIMAL CURRENCY FIFTY CENTS. The obverse features
the traditional Raphael Maklouf portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II, right-facing, crowned with necklace and earrings. It also
contains the
legend
ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 1991.
Celebrating 25 years of decimal coinage, Australia can be proud of the achievement. It was first introduced on the 14th
February1966. Decimalisation is the term used to describe the change that from the traditional denomination to a decimal
currency, a system that all but two of the world currencies now employ. In Australia, there was much debate about naming
the new currency with over one thousand suggestions. Eventually the dollar came into existence and it has been used to this
day. Forgeries were soon in circulation and work was underway at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
to produce a new material to curb the problem. The Royal Australian Mint in Canberra produces the coins and can reach 2 million
per day.
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