Description

1960 Australia Shilling – Queen Elizabeth II | Merino Ram Design
Pre-decimal silver coin featuring the iconic Merino ram’s head on the reverse and Queen Elizabeth II’s first portrait by Mary Gillick on the obverse.

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 F: D:. Translated from Latin: Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith.