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

2026 50c Coloured Uncirculated Coin – 70th Anniversary of First Television Broadcast

Celebrate seven decades of Australian television history with this official 2026 50c coloured uncirculated 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 arrival of colour television in 1975, TV has shaped Australia's cultural identity and brought the nation together. Struck to uncirculated standard, this coin features a retro TV test pattern colour scheme overlaying more than 45 distinct symbols and elements that pay homage to iconic Australian shows. Housed in a vibrant presentation card, mintage is limited to 50,000 coins worldwide.

Specifications

• Year Date on Coin: 2026
• Theme: 70th Anniversary of Australia's First Television Broadcast (1956–2026)
• Denomination: 50c
• Finish: Uncirculated (with Selective Colour Printing)
• Metal Content: Cupro-Nickel (CuNi)
• Mass: 15.55g
• Diameter: 31.51mm (Dodecagonal / 12-sided)
• Maximum Mintage: Limited to 50,000 coins
• Obverse Effigy: Official portrait of His Majesty King Charles III by Daniel Thorne
• Reverse Designer: A. Baggio
• Packaging: Official Royal Australian Mint presentation coincard
• 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.
• Uncirculated Mint Finish: Struck to the Royal Australian Mint’s uncirculated quality standard, retaining crisp detail and bright mint lustre.
• King Charles III Obverse: Features the official Australian coinage effigy of His Majesty King Charles III designed by Daniel Thorne.
• Retro Coincard Packaging: Enclosed inside an officially illustrated presentation card featuring a classic vintage television set design.

Condition and Presentation Note

• Uncirculated Quality: Coin is in pristine uncirculated condition, sealed inside its protective coincard bubble.
• Packaging Wear Note: Official presentation cards and outer paper sleeves may display minor superficial edge wear, subtle corner softening, or light handling marks consistent with manufacturing, transit, and warehousing.