Royal Australian Mint 2010 Elizabeth II Fifty Cent Coin
Coin/Bullion · Royal Australian Mint, Canberra, Australia; official national mint established in 1965.
Pattern: Australian Fifty Cent Circulation Coin, featuring the fourth portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Royal Australian Mint, Canberra, Australia; official national mint established in 1965.
Material
Cupro-nickel composition, specifically 75 percent copper and 25 percent nickel, containing no actual silver.
Dimensions
Standard Australian 50-cent coin dimensions: 31.51 mm across opposing flats, approximately 3.0 mm thick, with a weight of 15.55 grams.
Description
An everyday Australian fifty-cent circulating coin dated 2010, held in an open palm. It displays the classic twelve-sided equilateral curve heptagon shape distinctive of Australian coinage since 1969. The obverse prominently shows the Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, encircled by the country of origin and year of issue.
Key Features
Distinctive twelve-sided (equilateral curved heptagon) shape, cupro-nickel magnetic properties, and the Ian Rank-Broadley royal effigy.
Material & Composition
Cupro-nickel composition, specifically 75 percent copper and 25 percent nickel, containing no actual silver.
Finish & Decoration
Standard circulation strike with a matte-to-bright finish, featuring an equilateral curve heptagon shape with milled edges and the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Obverse features the designer's initials IRB for Ian Rank-Broadley below the bust of the Queen, along with the inscription ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 2010.
Construction Details
Machine-minted via high-speed coin presses utilizing coining dies to strike blanks produced from cupro-nickel strip stock.
Functional Features
Standard circulating legal tender coin designed for everyday commerce and vending machine compatibility due to its unique heptagonal shape.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable as this is a standard circulating coin.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision mass-produced die-struck coinage meeting strict national minting standards for circulation currency.
Authentication Indicators
Correct diameter, weight, shape, and edge milling consistent with authentic Royal Australian Mint circulating currency of the 2010 era.
Origin & Manufacturing
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, produced by the Royal Australian Mint.
Era & Period
Modern Period (2000-present), specifically the reign of Elizabeth II.
Age Estimate
Dated 2010, minted and issued in the year 2010.
Cultural Significance
A ubiquitous item of modern Australian material culture, serving as everyday legal tender and reflecting the nation's constitutional monarchy.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition with visible surface micro-scratches, minor dings, and moderate wear consistent with general use in commerce. Grade is Fine to Very Fine.
Value Estimate
Face value of 50 Australian cents, as circulated 2010 coins are common and generally hold no significant numismatic premium above face value.
Care & Maintenance
Requires no special maintenance as a standard base-metal circulating coin; store in a dry environment to prevent further surface oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Other Australian fifty-cent circulation coins minted between 2005 and 2018 featuring the same Rank-Broadley portrait.
Interesting Facts
The Australian fifty-cent coin is one of the largest circulating coins in the world by diameter and is famous for its unusual heptagonal shape, which was chosen to easily distinguish it from round coins in the pocket.