The 1956 Florin was struck at the Melbourne Mint with a mintage
of 8,090,000. The reverse features the Kruger Gray Coat of Arms design
which remained in use until the introduction of decimal
currency. The obverse features an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth
II as designed by Mary Gillick.This type features a slightly different obverselegend
which was modified to include 'F.D' (Defender of the Faith) after its removal two years earlier. The removal had caused
substantial controversy with groups including 'The United Protestants' Association' leading protests against the change.
Commonwealth authorities initially ignored the protests arguing that the changes were completed out of no disrespect or political
message but just to simplify the obverse design. They eventually gave into the pressure restoring the 'F.D' on the 1954 Royal
Visit commemorative Florin and all following Florins.
All dates in the Queen Elizabeth Florin series are easy to acquire in mint-state, however, this 1956 type becomes quite
scarce in upper mint-state grades. Most other dates in the series are more accessible at or above MS63 with mint rolls being
found for all years from 1958 to 1963 and a few 1957 rolls.
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