


© Mike Bentley (CC BY-NC)
50 Cents - Elizabeth II 4th Portrait - Australians at War - Empire Air Training Scheme
2015 yearCopper-nickel | 15.55 g | 31.51 mm |
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 |
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.