50 Cents - Elizabeth II (4th Portrait - Australians at War - Empire Air Training Scheme) 2015 front 50 Cents - Elizabeth II (4th Portrait - Australians at War - Empire Air Training Scheme) 2015 back
50 Cents - Elizabeth II (4th Portrait - Australians at War - Empire Air Training Scheme) 2015 photo
© Mike Bentley (CC BY-NC)

50 Cents - Elizabeth II 4th Portrait - Australians at War - Empire Air Training Scheme

2015 year
Copper-nickel 15.55 g 31.51 mm
Description
Issuer
Australia
Queen
Elizabeth II (1952-2022)
Type
Non-circulating coin
Year
2015
Value
50 Cents 0.50 AUD = USD 0.34
Currency
Dollar (1966-date)
Composition
Copper-nickel
Weight
15.55 g
Diameter
31.51 mm
Thickness
3 mm
Shape
Dodecagonal (12-sided)
Technique
Milled, Coloured
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#76369
Rarity index
68%

Reverse

Depiction of a recruit in training to become a qualified Airman against the backdrop of the European theatre of war. Colourised aircrew ribbon shown at the bottom of the coin

Script: Latin

Lettering:
50
EMPIRE AIR TRAINING SCHEME

Designer: E. Lewellen

Edge

12 Sided Smooth

Comment

The Royal Australian Mint issued this Pad Printed NCLT 50 cent coin as a tribute to those who served as aircrew in WWII. At the outbreak of the Second World War, Britain did not have the manpower to maintain the Royal Air Force (RAF) in the impending war in Europe. A plan was subsequently put forward to form a pool of trained aircrew from all corners of the Commonwealth. Over 37,000 Australian airmen trained in air schools all across the British Empire. Many went on to serve alongside British, Canadian, New Zealand, Rhodesian, and South African aircrews in the RAF’s air war over Europe.

This coin is part of the "Australians at War" 18 coin series being issued individually. Six coins were issued in 2014, Six in 2015 and the final Six in 2016.

All of the coins were issued in individual credit card sized coincards.