All About Elizabeth II Australian Coins

Most Australia coins are produced in three well-established mints: the Perth Mint of Australia, the New Zealand Mint, and the Royal Australian Mint. Besides catering to the needs of New Zealand and Australia, these mints also supply the needs of smaller islands such as Fiji islands, Niue, the Pitcairn islands, the Cook Islands, and Tuvalu. One common aspect in the products of these mints is that they bear the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. However, with the passing of time, the effigies have also changed to reflect the current image of the Queen but they have always remained tasteful and respectful. The Queen has also been depicted in her various adornments, some with pearl necklaces, and others without any necklace.

Australia coins produced in these mints have various themes in their designs at different times. The themes range from movies to fire trucks and include ideas such as motorcycles, vintage automobiles, battleships, sea life, historical battles, and land animals. Chinese lunar symbols are also depicted in many cases. Some of them are colorized while others are gilded with 24-karat gold. The valuable Elizabeth II Australia coin is sold in presentation cases or mounted in mint cards.

The Australia coins that have the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II are normally of very high quality. The designs are incredible and craftsmanship is superb. In short, they are numismatic delights. Many of these editions are produced in limited quantities which make them very valuable in the eyes of collectors.

The obverse of all the coins of the Perth Mint Lunar series has the image of Queen Elizabeth II whereas the reverse has the image of a beagle. These are available in eight sizes which are: 1/20-oz, 1/10-oz, ¼-oz, ½-oz, 1-oz, 2-oz, 10-oz, and 1-kilo and their monetary denominations are $5, $15, $25, $50, $100, $200, $1000, and $3000 respectively. The most popular of the lunar series is the 1-oz ($100) piece.

Similarly, the silver coins in the Lunar Series also have the image of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse but the reverse carries an image of a German shepherd. These are available in seven sizes which are 1/20-oz, 1-oz, 2-oz, 5-oz, 10-oz, 1/2 -kilo, and 1-kilo and their monetary denominations are 50 cents, $1, $2, $8, $10, $15, and $30 respectively. These lunar series items are very popular among coin collectors all over the world.

Another reason why Australia coins that depict the image of Queen Elizabeth II are greatly favored by the collectors is that production of some of them such as the 1-oz piece is curtailed to only 30,000, leading to its high demand and a big premium in the secondary market. Many of these items such as the 1-oz 2002 Year of the Horse piece has been stopped and the Perth Mint does not supply it anymore. When the wholesalers also face shortage of any variety, the price is bound to escalate.

Australia coins with the effigy of the Queen are exquisitely designed and their quality is impeccable. Coupled with the fact that most of them are produced in limited quantities, their availability becomes restricted and that creates a high premium on their value.