2020 Australian $1 Coin – QANTAS Centenary

Description

1984 saw the introduction of the dollar coin denomination in Australia, replacing the earlier banknotes.

As the introductory information by the Royal Australian Mint in 1984 explains:

“The coin has several distinctive features; it has a golden colour which distinguishes it from cupro-nickel or bronze coins; the coin is thicker compared to other coins of similar diameter, and the edge, comprised of seven plain and seven milled segments, makes the new coin distinctive visually and to the touch. However, the unusual edge design does not inhibit the coin’s ability to roll, so that it can be used in vending machines.

The reverse design, by featuring the kangaroo, continues the Australian fauna theme of the current circulating coinage. The kangaroo is Australia’s best known native animal, and is instantly identifiable with Australia. Its ability to hop long distances and jump high obstacles has made this marsupial world famous.”

The coin type described above is known in Australia as the “mob of roos” type (“roo” being short for kangaroo). There have also been a large number of circulating commemorative issues.

The composition is 92% copper, 6% aluminium and 2% nickel.

Additional information

The obverse of the coin depicts the crowned old bust of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the Royal Diamond Diadem crown worn for her Coronation (effigy known as the “Fifth Portrait” worldwide but “Sixth Portrait” in Australia, where the Queen’s portrait by Vladimir Gottwald was fifth).

The Queen also wears the Coronation Necklace; originally made for Queen Victoria in 1858, it was also worn at the coronations (as Queen’s Consort) of Queen Alexandra in 1902, Queen Mary in 1911 and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen mother) in 1937.

Unlike on British coinage, the effigy is “uncouped” (includes the Queen’s shoulders) and extends almost to the rim of the coin; consequently, the legend does not run continuously around the rim.

The artist’s initials JC (for Jody Clark) are in tiny letters below left.

Around the effigy is the monarch’s legend and the date: ELIZABETH II · AUSTRALIA 2020.

The reverse of the coin shows a jet airplane (Boeing 787 Dreamliner) with a single jet engine on each wing in flight, as seen from above; from the tip of each wing, two parallel lines run to the edge of the coin. Partly obscured by it, the number 100 in a large font with combinations of horizontal, vertical and zigzag lines inside the outer border of each numeral; and

Below, a small map of Australia. Over the second 0 in 100, the kangaroo silhouette trademark owned by Qantas Airways Limited.

Around above, the value and denomination ONE DOLLAR.

Around below, QANTAS CENTENARY.