Description

This 1954 Australian Halfpenny, minted at the Perth Mint (mint mark “Y.”), features the iconic leaping kangaroo reverse by George Kruger Gray and the young portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Mary Gillick on the obverse. Struck in bronze, it was part of Australia’s pre-decimal currency system and remained in circulation until 1966. A notable collectible from Australia’s early Elizabethan coinage.

The obverse of the coin shows the laureate young bust of Queen Elizabeth II facing right – her effigy known as the “First Portrait”. The laurel wreath in the Queen’s hair is tied with a ribbon with two ends flowing behind. The designer’s initials, M.G. (for Mary Gillick) appear incuse on the base of the shoulder truncation, and can be seen when the coin is viewed at an angle. The monarch’s legend runs continuously all around the bust: + ELIZABETH · II · DEI · GRATIA · REGINA. Translated from Latin: Elizabeth the Second, by the grace of God, Queen.