1 Dollar - Elizabeth II 4th Portrait - Queen Elizabeth II 60th Anniversary of Coronation

Historical Context: The 2013 Australian One Dollar coin commemorates the 60th Anniversary of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, a profound milestone marking her Diamond Jubilee. As Australia's Head of State, her enduring reign, spanning from 1952, profoundly shaped the nation's post-war identity and its evolving relationship with the Commonwealth. This commemorative issue, featuring the Ian Rank-Broadley 4th portrait, reflects a period of established monarchical presence within a modernizing Australia, celebrating a rare longevity on the throne and her continuous service to the Commonwealth.

Artistry: The obverse features Ian Rank-Broadley's definitive 'Fourth Portrait' of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, characterized by its mature realism and the absence of a crown, bearing the artist's 'IRB' initials. The reverse design, specific to this coronation anniversary, typically employs a classically inspired yet contemporary aesthetic, often incorporating heraldic or symbolic elements relevant to the monarchy and Australia. A key artistic and technical feature is the pad printing, which applies selective color to enhance the commemorative motif, a modern innovation allowing for intricate detail and visual impact not achievable through traditional striking methods.

Technical/Grading: Struck in .999 fine silver to proof specifications, this 31.1035 gram, 40.6 mm coin demands scrutiny of its pristine fields for hairlines or contact marks, particularly on the expansive obverse and reverse surfaces. For optimal grading, the integrity and completeness of the pad-printed elements are paramount; any flaking, rubbing, or misregistration of the color application will significantly detract from its appeal and value. High points include the intricate details of the portrait's diadem and hair, and the sharpest relief on the reverse's commemorative devices, ensuring full strike definition.