50 Cents - Elizabeth II 4th Portrait - Holden High Octane - 1968 HK Monaro GTS 327

Historical Context: Issued in 2018, this Australian 50 Cents coin falls within the long reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, featuring her Fourth Portrait. This particular issue is a significant commemorative, celebrating the iconic 1968 HK Monaro GTS 327, a legendary Australian muscle car from the Holden brand. The coin is part of a series dedicated to Australian automotive heritage, reflecting the deep cultural connection and national pride associated with Holden vehicles. Its release underscores the importance of the Monaro in Australian motoring history, marking it as a symbol of performance and design innovation from a pivotal era.

Artistry: The obverse design features the Fourth Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, a widely adopted effigy depicting the monarch wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara. This portrait maintains a classical, dignified style. The reverse design, the focal point of this commemorative, masterfully renders the 1968 HK Monaro GTS 327. The artistry captures the car's distinctive lines, powerful silhouette, and key design elements, such as its grille and wheels, with remarkable fidelity. This modern commemorative design adheres to a realistic stylistic school, aiming for precise and evocative representation of its subject.

Technical/Grading: Struck in copper-nickel, this large 31.51mm flan allows for excellent detail on both sides. The coin's substantial weight of 15.55 grams contributes to a robust feel. For grading, key high-points on the obverse include the Queen's hair above her ear and the details of the tiara. On the reverse, critical areas for assessing strike quality and potential wear are the roofline and pillars of the Monaro, the intricate details of the grille, and the hubcaps. Collectors should look for a strong, even strike across the entire design, particularly in the fine lines of the vehicle, and an absence of significant field marks or luster breaks.