2026 50c Coloured Silver Proof Coin - 70th Anniversary of First Television Broadcast

2026 50c Coloured Fine Silver Proof Coin – 70th Anniversary of First Television Broadcast

Celebrate seven decades of Australian television history with this official 2026 50c coloured fine silver proof coin from the Royal Australian Mint. On 16 September 1956, Australian TV flickered to life just in time for the Melbourne Olympic Games, famously launched by Bruce Gyngell with the words, "Good evening and welcome to television".

From early black-and-white family broadcasts to the launch of full-colour television in 1975, TV has shaped Australia's cultural identity and brought the nation together. Struck in 99.99% fine silver to a flawless proof finish, the coin features a retro TV test pattern colour scheme overlaying more than 45 distinct symbols and elements that pay homage to iconic Australian shows. Strictly limited to a mintage of just 7,000 coins worldwide.

Specifications

• Year Date on Coin: 2026
• Theme: 70th Anniversary of Australia's First Television Broadcast (1956–2026)
• Denomination: 50c
• Finish: Proof (with Selective Colour Printing)
• Metal Content: 99.99% Fine Silver (Ag)
• Mass: 18.24g
• Diameter: 31.51mm (Dodecagonal / 12-sided)
• Maximum Mintage: Strictly limited to 7,000 coins
• Obverse Effigy: Official portrait of His Majesty King Charles III by Daniel Thorne
• Reverse Designer: A. Baggio
• Packaging: Official RAM presentation case, outer carton, and Certificate of Authenticity
• Issuer / Mint: Royal Australian Mint, Canberra

Design Details & Key Features

• Over 45 TV Icons & Test Pattern Colour: The reverse artwork incorporates over 45 detailed symbols celebrating 70 years of Australian news, drama, sport, and children's programming, highlighted by a vibrant TV test pattern colour motif.
• Fine Silver Proofing: Struck in 99.99% pure silver using specially polished dies for frosted details and deep mirror fields.
• King Charles III Obverse: Features the official Australian coinage effigy of His Majesty King Charles III designed by Daniel Thorne.
• Deluxe Display Packaging: Housed inside an official Royal Australian Mint clamshell presentation display box with an illustrated outer carton and numbered certificate.

Condition and Presentation Note

• Proof Standard Quality: Struck to proof standard direct from the mint presses.
• Packaging Wear Note: Presentation display cases, outer printed cartons, and sleeves may display minor superficial shelf wear, light edge softening, or subtle handling marks consistent with manufacturing, transit, and warehousing.