A Commemorative Coin Controversy: Australians Criticize Queen Elizabeth II Portrait as 'Unpleasant'
In a surprising move, the Royal Australian Mint has released commemorative coins featuring the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, but not everyone is pleased with the result. The $5 and 50c silver coins, created to mark the centenary of the Queen's birth, have been criticized for their lack of resemblance to the late monarch.
The coin design was widely panned online, with many describing it as "unpleasant" and drawing comparisons to fictional characters from TV shows, such as Mrs Doubtfire. One person likened the portrait to something that might happen if the Queen had run into a wall. The criticism has led some to question whether the Mint took enough time to ensure an accurate representation of the Queen's likeness.
Despite the backlash, collectors and fans of the Queen have rallied around the coins, praising their design and craftsmanship. According to the Royal Australian Mint, all 30,000 50c coins and 5,000 $5 coins have been sold out, with limited stocks remaining for those who wish to purchase them.
The coins feature a range of designs that reflect the Queen's life and legacy, including motifs such as horses, corgis, and her favorite flowers. The back of each coin features a portrait of King Charles III in profile.
While the controversy surrounding the Queen's portrait may be divisive, it is clear that many Australians are passionate about preserving their nation's history and honoring its monarchs. As one collector noted, "It's a special way to recognize Her Majesty's life and legacy." The Royal Australian Mint has certainly created a commemorative coin collection that will spark debate and conversation among fans of the Queen.
In a surprising move, the Royal Australian Mint has released commemorative coins featuring the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, but not everyone is pleased with the result. The $5 and 50c silver coins, created to mark the centenary of the Queen's birth, have been criticized for their lack of resemblance to the late monarch.
The coin design was widely panned online, with many describing it as "unpleasant" and drawing comparisons to fictional characters from TV shows, such as Mrs Doubtfire. One person likened the portrait to something that might happen if the Queen had run into a wall. The criticism has led some to question whether the Mint took enough time to ensure an accurate representation of the Queen's likeness.
Despite the backlash, collectors and fans of the Queen have rallied around the coins, praising their design and craftsmanship. According to the Royal Australian Mint, all 30,000 50c coins and 5,000 $5 coins have been sold out, with limited stocks remaining for those who wish to purchase them.
The coins feature a range of designs that reflect the Queen's life and legacy, including motifs such as horses, corgis, and her favorite flowers. The back of each coin features a portrait of King Charles III in profile.
While the controversy surrounding the Queen's portrait may be divisive, it is clear that many Australians are passionate about preserving their nation's history and honoring its monarchs. As one collector noted, "It's a special way to recognize Her Majesty's life and legacy." The Royal Australian Mint has certainly created a commemorative coin collection that will spark debate and conversation among fans of the Queen.
! I mean, who thought it was a good idea to put some random person's face on a coin if they looked nothing like the Queen? 
It's kinda like my aunt trying to pass off her kid as me in a family photo - just doesn't fly 
. And don't even get me started on the comparisons to Mrs Doubtfire... I guess that's one way to describe it 
. But for real, I'm glad collectors and fans of the Queen are coming to its defense – they clearly love the design and craftsmanship 
. Still, I think the Royal Australian Mint should've taken a little more time to get it right 
.
. I mean, it's just a portrait, right? The internet is blowing it way out of proportion. I saw some pics online and yeah, she doesn't look like your typical royal type... but that's what makes the original portraits by artists kinda famous, you know? Like, they're often not perfect. Anyway, I'm curious - where did these 'experts' who claim it's an 'unpleasant' portrait come from? Were there any reviews or statements from Buckingham Palace or the Royal Mint themselves? Just want to see some facts behind this controversy before I form an opinion 
. And can you blame the Mint for wanting to get creative with the design? It's all about celebrating the Queen's life and legacy, right? 
At the end of the day, it's just a coin (literally! 
), but I guess you could say it's stirring up some interesting conversations 
anyone else think its kinda funny that people r comparing it to mrs doubtfire tho? 
... yeah, maybe they're a bit harsh but I can see where they're coming from. Still, collectors seem to love 'em and I guess it's nice that the Mint put so much thought into the designs 
. The whole thing just seems a bit weird now, with Charles III on the back of each coin... feels like they wanted to avoid any more controversy 
.
. I mean, who designed them? They look like a mess! I've seen better portraits in school history books 
. And what's up with the back of the coin featuring King Charles III's face? Can't they just be consistent for once? 
That's just confusing. But at the same time, fans are going wild for them and collectors are all about those limited edition $5 coins 
! The designs on the back of each coin are actually pretty cool, especially with the horse and corgi motifs 
they must've been having a laugh, right? like, a royal portrait that resembles nothing to do with the actual queen? sounds about right for a monarch who's supposed to be all about dignity and decorum 
It's just a commemorative thingy to celebrate the Queen's life and legacy. And honestly, the designs on the coins are pretty cool - I love the corgi ones! 
But hey, it's all good that collectors like them, and fans of the Queen can appreciate the craftsmanship and thoughtfulness that went into creating these coins. Maybe some people just need to chill out a bit? 
. The fact that people are still debating whether the design is "unpleasant" or not shows how much emotional attachment we can have towards our history and monarchies