2003 Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Fifty Cents

Obverse:	Queen Elizabeth II - Design by Ian Rank-Broadley. Legend: ELIZABETH. II. AUSTRALIA 2003
Reverse:	St. Edward's Crown & federation Star - Design by Peter Soobik. Legend: . FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY . CORONATION ELIZABETH II . 1953 EIIR 2003 . 50
Edge:	Plain edge.
Weight:	18.24 grams (silver), 15.55 grams (Cu-Ni).
Size:	31.51 mm (diameter).
Composition:	Circulation: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel Proof: .999 Silver
Mintage:	Canberra: Proof - 19,503
Mintmarks:	None.

17,500 individual proof versions of this coin were released by the Canberra Mint to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation on the Throne of England and the Commonwealth. The coin was packaged in a rich red velvet, hinged-lid presentation case with a replica crown affixed to the outside lid and protected by a striking protective outer cardboard box.

The proof version of the coin was also included in 2,003 2-Coin 50th Anniversary Sets.

St Edward's Crown

The crown used in the British coronation dates from 1660 when it was commissioned for the coronation of King Charles II. The depressed central arches indicate it is the crown of a kingdom. The gold framework is set with 440 precious and semi-precious stones.

This magnificent crown is worn only once in a sovereign's lifetime, during the coronation. At the end of the coronation service, the monarch retires into St Edward's Chapel where the St Edward's Crown is exchanged for the Imperial State Crown.