Since the initial release of the 50 cent coin, this beauty has gone through quite the evolution. As we know from our previous 50 cent article, the original 1966 50 cent coin was made of 80% silver and 20% copper. As silver prices quickly rose the coin became uneconomical to produce, which ended the production of the round design after just one year of minting.

Following two years without the release of any newly minted circulating 50 cent coins, the Royal Australian Mint revealed the current design we know today. The dodecagon design seemed to incorporate criticisms from Australians who were confused by the previous coin's similar size and shape to the 20 cent coin. The revolutionised shape also incorporated a new planchet comprised of 75% copper and 25% nickel, ensuring a more established and stable coin value.

The Ian Rank-Broadley (IRB) effigy on the obverse of our imaged coin above, was phased out of Australian coinage through the second half of 2019. This final year coincided with the 20th year the IRB effigy appeared on Australian currency. As 2019 also marked the 50th anniversary of the dodecagon design, this 50 cent coin is a special one in the eyes of some collectors.

What makes this 2019 IRB 50 cent even more special, is that it originates from the 2019 Fine Silver Proof Year Set - The last of the Ian Rank-Broadley minted from 99.99% pure fine silver. Only 790 of these 50 cent coins exist. The regular circulating reverse design features the Australian Coat of Arms, conceptualised by the specialist Australian gold and silver metalworker artist Stuart Devlin (SD). This silver proof has a mass of 18.24 grams and a diameter of 31.51 millimetres, compared to a regular proof 50 cent coin of 15.55 grams and the same diameter.

Release: 2019
Mintage: 790

Last Updated: 21/10/2021