Overview

Issued by the Royal Australian Mint in 1970, this 12-sided 50 Cents coin holds historical significance as Australia’s very first commemorative decimal 50-cent coin. Designed by Stuart Devlin, it celebrates the bicentenary of Captain James Cook navigating the east coast of Australia aboard HM Bark Endeavour in 1770.

Key Features & Details:

• Country: Australia (Commonwealth of Australia)
• Monarch: Queen Elizabeth II
• Denomination: 50 Cents (Fifty Cents)
• Year: 1970
• Shape: 12-sided (Dodecagonal)
• Material: Cupronickel
• Condition: Circulated / Pre-owned – A genuinely circulated coin that has seen use. The profile of Captain Cook, the map layout showing the east coast navigation route, the facsimile signature and the obverse portrait all remain clear and fully legible, with natural surface wear, handling marks and toning consistent with circulation.
• Obverse (Front): Second effigy of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara, designed by Arnold Machin, surrounded by “ELIZABETH II”, “AUSTRALIA”, and “1970”.
• Reverse (Back): Portrait of Captain James Cook facing right, superimposed over an outline map of Australia showing his route, along with year “1770”, Cook’s signature, and “FIFTY CENTS”.

Collector Value:

As the inaugural commemorative issue in Australia’s 50-cent series, this coin is a cornerstone piece for any Australian coin collection.