CANBERRA — The Royal Australian Mint is facing a storm of ridicule and “regal disappointment” following the release of its latest commemorative coins, with critics and collectors alike mocking a new portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II as nearly unrecognizable.
The coins, a $5 silver proof and a 50-cent cupro-nickel piece, were issued this week to mark the upcoming centenary of the late monarch’s birth in 1926. However, instead of a nostalgic tribute, the “front-facing” depiction of the Queen has ignited a firestorm on social media, with many Australians questioning if the engravers used the wrong reference photo—or perhaps none at all.
“There’s a reason most portraits are from the side,” one disgruntled collector wrote in a viral Facebook post. “It looks like she just ran into a wall.” Another commentator was blunter: “If I saw that face without the pearls and the hairdo, I’d never guess who it was meant to be.”
The ‘Uncanny Valley’ of the Crown
Designed by Mint artist A. Stokic, the reverse side of the coin features the Queen’s likeness framed by symbols of her life, including horses, corgis, and representations of her wartime service. While the surrounding iconography has been praised, the central effigy has been described as falling deep into the “uncanny valley.”
The primary criticism centers on the lack of depth and the “flattened” facial features that many argue fail to capture the dignified maturity of the monarch.
The Critics’ Consensus:
- Lack of Likeness: Comparisons have been drawn to everything from generic “grandmother” figurines to a “badly restored fresco.”
- Front-Facing Risk: Most coinage historically uses a profile (side) view to emphasize the jawline and nose; the front-facing choice in this Centenary edition has been called “a tactical error in numismatic art.”
- Price Point: With the $5 silver proof coin retailing for $190 AUD (approx. £100), collectors say the high price tag demands a higher standard of artistic fidelity.
The Mint Strikes Back
In a rare move, the Royal Australian Mint issued a statement on Friday defending the design. A spokesperson noted that the transition from a digital or hand-drawn sketch to an etching in metal often alters the perception of a portrait.
“Our coin images don’t always capture the full beauty of a design once it’s etched in metal,” the Mint stated. “This design was intended to be a distinctive, symbolic tribute to the Queen’s 100th anniversary, reflecting her many passions and her enduring connection to Australia.”
Despite the backlash, the Mint confirmed that the silver proof version sold out almost instantly via a ballot system, suggesting that for many “royals” enthusiasts, the rarity of the centenary issue outweighs the controversy over the Queen’s cheekbones.
The Royal Context
The 2026 Centenary coins arrive at a sensitive time for Australian currency. As the nation gradually transitions its circulating coins to feature King Charles III (facing left, in accordance with tradition), these commemorative Queen Elizabeth II pieces were meant to be a final, definitive homage to the woman who graced Australian pockets for seven decades.
The “Stokic Portrait” stands in stark contrast to the Jody Clark effigy used since 2019, which was widely praised for its realism and grace.
| Coin Detail | Status | Key Information |
| Denominations | $5 Silver / 50c Cu-Ni | Centenary of Birth Commemoratives |
| Reverse Designer | A. Stokic | Includes corgis, horses, and floral symbols |
| Obverse Designer | Daniel Thorne | Features King Charles III effigy |
| Mintage | Limited | 30,000 to 40,000 units per release |
As the 50-cent coins begin arriving in the hands of the public this week, the “Wall-Queen” remains the talk of the numismatic world. For the Royal Australian Mint, it is a reminder that when it comes to the most photographed woman in history, the public knows every line of her face—and they will notice if even one is out of place.