1994 Australia Elizabeth II Two Dollar Coin
Coin/Bullion · Royal Australian Mint, Canberra. Founded in 1965, the RAM is the sole producer of all of Australia's circulating coins and is renowned for its high-quality numismatic production standards.
Pattern: Standard Circulating Coinage, Two Dollar Gold-Colored Series
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Royal Australian Mint, Canberra. Founded in 1965, the RAM is the sole producer of all of Australia's circulating coins and is renowned for its high-quality numismatic production standards.
Material
Aluminum-Bronze composition (92% copper, 6% aluminum, 2% nickel). Despite its gold appearance, this is a base metal alloy with no silver or gold content.
Dimensions
Diameter: 20.5 mm; Thickness: 3.2 mm; Weight: 6.6 grams.
Description
This is a classic Australian two-dollar coin. Introduced in 1988 to replace the two-dollar note, the coin features the elegant Raphael Maklouf effigy of Queen Elizabeth II wearing the George IV State Diadem. The high-relief strike and distinct gold-hued aluminum-bronze alloy make it one of the most recognizable pieces of modern Oceania currency.
Key Features
Small diameter but double thickness compared to other coins; distinct yellow-gold hue; Raphael Maklouf portrait with 'RDM' initials.
Material & Composition
Aluminum-Bronze composition (92% copper, 6% aluminum, 2% nickel). Despite its gold appearance, this is a base metal alloy with no silver or gold content.
Finish & Decoration
Uncirculated/Circulated business strike finish featuring the third portrait of Queen Elizabeth II (by Raphael Maklouf) on the obverse. The reverse (not shown) typically depicts an Aboriginal tribal elder, the Southern Cross, and native grass trees.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No silver hallmarks as it is not precious metal. Obverse stamped with 'ELIZABETH II', 'AUSTRALIA', '1994', and the 'RDM' artist initials on the neck truncation.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured via industrial die-striking using high-tonnage coin presses. Features an interrupted reeded/milled edge (sections of smooth and sections of serrated edges).
Functional Features
Legal tender currency for the Commonwealth of Australia. Designed with a small diameter and significant thickness to assist the visually impaired in identification.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Numismatic item)
Craftsmanship Details
High-standard industrial automated striking. The alignment is perfectly centered, and the die depth is consistent with the Royal Australian Mint's rigorous quality control.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font spacing for 1994 RAM dies; characteristic interrupted milled edge; correct color for ALU-BR alloy; distinct RDM initials.
Origin & Manufacturing
Canberra, Australia; Royal Australian Mint. The mint operates under the Commonwealth government's jurisdiction.
Era & Period
Modern Australian (Post-Decimal transition); Third Portrait era (1985-1998).
Age Estimate
Dated 1994; 30 years old as of current year.
Cultural Significance
Represents the stabilization of the Australian decimal system and the transition from paper to metal currency for higher-frequency transactions.
Condition Notes
Very Fine (VF) to Extremely Fine (EF). Shows localized surface scratches and minor rim nicks consistent with light circulation. Tarnish appears as typical darkening or 'toning' of the copper-based alloy.
Value Estimate
Face value ($2 AUD). In high uncirculated grades, it may fetch $3-$5 AUD among collectors. Standard circulated examples carry no premium.
Care & Maintenance
For circulation coins, avoid acidic cleaners or abrasive polishing which removes numismatic value. Store in PVC-free flips or cardboard 2x2s to prevent environmental oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Australian $1 coin (larger, same material); 1994 Proof version (high mirror finish); New Zealand $2 coin (larger diameter).
Interesting Facts
The $2 coin was first released on June 20, 1988. The Aboriginal elder depicted on the reverse is often mistakenly identified as Gwoya Tjungurrayi, though the Mint states it is a composite representation.