Australian Florins
1951 50th Anniversary of Federation
50% Silver
The reverse was designed by William Leseley Bowles with the sword and the mace taken from the Arms of Canberra and the imperial crown depicted is symbolic of the British parliamentary traditions inherited by Australia. Stars of the Southern Cross constellation are another element of this coin and the Australian flag along with the Federation Star.
2,000,000
The seven pointed Federation Star caused some confusion and a huge outcry ensued. Bowles was accused of taking his Southern Cross from the Arms of Victoria instead of the Commonwealth flag and losing one of the stars. He did not lose one of the stars, however according to articles published in 1952 and inspection of the stars, it does indeed seem that Bowles did use the Victorian Coat of Arms as his model.
It has to do with the number of points each star has, the numbers correspond to the Victorian Coat of Arms rather than the Australian Flag.
Points to consider when grading the obverse are:
- the King's eyebrow;
- the top of the ear;
- definition in the hair;
- the sharpness of details on the denticles and lettering;
- the rim for dents and nicks;
- A weak strike will show in the hair, ear, eye, mouth and nose.
Specifications
| Composition: | 50% Silver 40% Copper 5% Nickel 5% Zinc |
| Silver Content: | 0.1818 oz |
| Edge: | Reeded |
| Weight: | 11.31 grams |
| Size: | 28.5 mm |
| Obverse: | Thomas H Paget |
| Reverse: | William Leslie Bowles |