1970 50c Coin - Captain Cook's Bicentenary - Specimen Strike

1970 50c Captain Cook Bicentenary Coin – Specimen Strike

Commemorate a pivotal milestone in Australian numismatic history with this official 1970 50c Captain Cook Bicentenary coin from the Royal Australian Mint. Struck to an elevated Specimen quality standard, this release holds historical prestige as Australia’s very first decimal commemorative coin.

Issued to mark 200 years since Captain James Cook’s 1770 voyage along Australia’s east coast and landing at Botany Bay, this coin features the iconic portrait of Cook overlaying a map of Australia. Struck with specially prepared dies and carefully handled blanks to ensure superior detail and brilliant mint lustre, each coin is supplied in a brand new 2x2 archival Mylar pocket for long-term preservation.

Specifications

• Year of Issue: 1970
• Theme: Bicentenary of Captain James Cook's East Coast Voyage (1770–1970)
• Denomination: 50c
• Finish: Specimen Strike
• Metal Content: Cupro-Nickel (CuNi)
• Mass: 15.55g
• Diameter: 31.51mm (Dodecagonal / 12-sided)
• Maximum Mintage: Limited to 550,000 specimen strikes
• Obverse Effigy: Arnold Machin portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
• Reverse Designer: Stuart Devlin
• Packaging: Brand new protective 2x2 Mylar coin flip
• Issuer / Mint: Royal Australian Mint, Canberra

Design Details & Key Features

• Inaugural Decimal Commemorative: Holds significant historical status as the very first commemorative coin issued during Australia's decimal currency era.
• Superior Specimen Strike Quality: Produced using specially treated planchets and polished coining dies to deliver crisp relief lines and vibrant field lustre superior to standard circulation strikes.
• Iconic Stuart Devlin Design: The reverse features a prominent profile of Captain James Cook against an outlined map of Australia with his signature in relief.
• Arnold Machin Obverse: Features the official 2nd circulating coinage effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Condition and Presentation Note

• Specimen Mint Condition: Coin is in brilliant condition retaining sharp strike definition and original surface lustre. Supplied in a 2x2 Mylar flip.
• Representative Item Note: The coin supplied will be in similar pristine condition to the item pictured, retaining sharp strike detail and bright original mint lustre. Minor contact marks or natural toning consistent with age and handling may be present.