Other people were more positive about the design, which was created by one of the mint’s artists.
“Awesome. I’m glad they put something out to do with Queen Elizabeth II, she deserves to have Recognition In a Special Way,” one user wrote on social media.
“Please pick me for one of these coins,” said another. One woman living in the US commented that it “looks like a beautiful coin”.
Despite the criticism, collectors reported that the ballot was fully subscribed.
Australian media, quoting a spokesperson for the Royal Australian Mint, said the silver proof coins had sold out, and there were limited stocks left in their contact centre and shop.
According to the mint’s website, it created 30,000 of the 50c coins and 5,000 of the $5 – all of which are collector’s items and will not enter general public circulation.
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.
Meanwhile, the backs of the coins feature a portrait of the Queen’s son, King Charles, in profile.
