Description

This 1959 Australian Halfpenny made of bronze, it features the iconic leaping kangaroo on the reverse, designed by George Kruger Gray, and the young portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Mary Gillick on the obverse. Issued during the pre-decimal era, the coin circulated until 1966 and remains legal tender today. A classic collectible from Australia’s early currency history.

The obverse of the coin shows the laureate young bust of Queen Elizabeth II facing right is Bronze- 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 · F : D :. Translated from Latin: Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith.