New Aussie coins featuring updated picture of the Queen unveiled

Australian coins have had a makeover with new versions set for release next year featuring an updated picture of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The release of the new coins will mark the sixth official change since The Queen first appeared on Australian currency in 1953.

Announcing the news on Monday, the Royal Australian Mint described the changeover as a new era of coinage in Australia.

“This new effigy will be a new image for a new era – continuing to tell the story of a reign and lifetime,” Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove said in a statement.

For the first time in 20 years, Australian coins will feature a new image of the Queen. The new design was unveiled today at the @RoyalAustMint. More at 4pm on Seven News. #7News pic.twitter.com/JfMk08RbJs

— 7NEWS Perth (@7NewsPerth) September 3, 2018

Designed by Jody Clark, who was selected through a competition commissioned by the Royal Mint’s Advisory Committee, the coin follows tradition by featuring a right faced profile of The Queen wearing a diadem crown.

Clark’s original design is known to many and has been used on coins in the United Kingdom since 2015.

Proud of what has been created, Cosgrove gave thanks to the designer for his creation that will be used by many throughout the country.

“Congratulations to the Royal Australian Mint and Jody-Clark (coin designer) – the new coins and effigy are set to become a familiar sight for years to come,” he announced on Monday.

The Sixth Effigy – Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – 2019 “proof” and uncirculated coins are already available for purchase from the Royal Mint’s online shop for those eager to get their hands on a piece of the new design.

However, they will be limited to a mintage of 5,000 for the proof coin and 30,000 for the uncirculated coin.

Read more: New Australian banknotes are coming

The transition to a new effigy on all Australian coinage will begin in 2019 and continue throughout 2020. Coins with previous portraits of The Queen will also remain in circulation.

It has been two years since the country welcomed new Australian bank notes with the release marking the 50th anniversary of Australia’s conversion to the decimal system, switching to dollars and cents from pounds, shillings and pence.

The updated $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 notes were slightly more modern with the five-dollar note also featuring the native wattle.

What do you think of the new coin design?