A coin released to celebrate what would’ve been the late monarch’s 100th birthday has drawn a flood of criticism, with some saying the portrait “doesn’t even look like her”
A commemorative coin has been released to honour what would’ve been the late Queen Elizabeth’s 100th birthday, with the portrait drawing a wave of criticism for its unfortunate design.
The $5 (£2.56) and 50 cent silver coins, released by the Australian Royal Mint, were created to commemorate the centenary of the Queen’s birth, happening on April 21.
The artwork was created by Alex Stokic and depicts the Queen in her later years, surrounded by floral designs, her royal cypher, as well as horse and corgi motifs. Unlike traditional royal coinage, which has consistently portrayed Elizabeth II in profile throughout her reign, the Australian mint opted for a full frontal portrait.
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The design, which was released on Wednesday through a national ballot, quickly went viral online, with many flocking to social media to share their thoughts on the coin with many claiming the portrait looks nothing like the late Queen.
Social media users piled on with their own unflattering comparisons, likening the portrait to Mrs Brown from Mrs Brown’s Boys and Mrs Doubtfire, the fictional housekeeper portrayed by the late Robin Williams. One commenter declared: “That’s got to be the most unpleasant portrait on a coin.” Another simply stated: “The Queen looked nothing like that.”
One royal fan added: “There’s a reason most portraits are from the side. Looks like she just ran into a wall,” while another said: “If I saw that face without the hairdo and pearls, would never guess who it was meant to be.”
Other people were more positive about the design, with one person writing on social media: “Looks awesome! I’m glad they put something out to do with Queen Elizabeth II, she deserves to have recognition in a special way on what would’ve been her 100th birthday.”
The Royal Australian Mint defended the design, noting that photographs “don’t always capture the full detail of the coins once etched in silver”. As well as the queen’s portrait, the coins feature designs “symbolically reflecting the many facets of Queen Elizabeth II’s life and legacy”, the mint said.
These include motifs of a horse and corgi, references to art and theatre to mark “her enduring support for culture”, as well as some of her favourite flowers – roses and lily of the valley. The golden wattle, Australia’s national floral emblem, is also represented.
“The design incorporates Her Majesty’s Royal Cypher, a stylised St Edward’s Crown and the Auxiliary Territorial Service emblem, acknowledging her wartime service and lifelong sense of duty,” the mint added.
Queen Elizabeth II served as Queen of Australia throughout her reign, making the unflattering depiction particularly notable given the nation’s ongoing debates about its constitutional future, and increased calls for Australia to become a republic.
