1981 50 Cents

This is indeed a very special Australian 50 cent coin. It was struck in 1981 too late to be included in the 1981 Mint and Proof year sets. Not only that, but there was a strike on at the Royal Australian Mint so these commemorative coins celebrating the wedding of HRH Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer is the only Australian 50 cent issue to be struck at a Mint ouitside of Australia. It was minted by The Royal Mint at Llantrisant, Wales. Some features on the obverse differ slightly to that of the 1981 Australian Coat of Arms 50 cents struck by the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra. It is also the only Australian 50 cents struck by the RAM to carry the image of actual living people (at the time of issue) other than the current ruling monarch of Australia. There was also a 1981 $200 Gold Uncirculated issue with the same image. It also has a sister coin struck in Proof Sterling Silver in 1989 as part of a special Masterpieces in Silver Set of Commemorative 50 cent issues from 1970 to 1988 (5 coins). Few other coins from RAM have included images of living people. The Perth Mint has issued several coins that feature living people.

Chrycopaul, the coin you have was the FIRST of it's kind in many ways and therefore very special in my eyes anyway. [:-]

If you have a look at the coin I have with my username, it is the 2006 Royal Visit 50 cents in proof pure silver with gold highlights. It has a sister coin celebrating the 80th Birthday of the Queen also silver with gold and both coins were available as cupro nickel uncirculated issues in a card.

Other Australian Royal theme issue 50 cents were
1977 Silver Jubilee of Accession
2000 Royal Visit
2002 Golden Jubilee of Accession
2003 Golden Jubilee of Coronation

The 1970 Captain James Cook Bicentenary and the 1988 First Fleet Bicentenary 50 cent coins are also associated with Royal Visits to mark those key events as were the Commonwealth Games in 1982 and 2006.

Perhaps you would like to list what Australian coins you have with Royal Themes. Have you seen the 1992 Royal Ladies Silver or Gold sets with Queen Mother, Princesses Margaret and Anne and the Princess of Wales? They are a magnificant set.

Must have been cos they were not making enough money Lol.

Made me do it.

Nice coin. However, I don't think the designer captured Priness Di true image.
To me it looks as if I am looking at QE's image with P.Di's hair style.
Just my opinipn.
mila_