Perth artist reveals iconic design of Queen Elizabeth II 100th Anniversary commemorative coins

An image of Queen Elizabeth II wearing her famous wattle dress during her 1954 tour of Australia is a standout feature on the newly revealed 100th anniversary coins.

The collection officially launched on Tuesday at Government House, a spectacular moment in history both for Perth and for the talented artist responsible for their design.

Kimberly-born artist Natasha Muhl’s designs feature on two individual gold coins, two individual silver coins and one three-piece set.

Perth Mint gifted two collections to Governor Chris Dawson AC APM, one to remain at Government House and the other to be sent to King Charles III.

The Governor said the coins were a perfect reflection of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who would have turned 100 on April 21.

“She is such a iconic figure in terms of not only Australia’s history, but global history. Her reign of 70 years was marked by her humility, her grace and her sense of duty and service,” he said.

Ms Muhl’s designs feature significant illustrations including of Australia’s national floral emblem, the golden wattle, and the commemorative florin issued in 1954 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s first visit to Australia.

MP Patrick Gorman, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, was tasked with the vital role of getting the coins approved by Buckingham Palace.

“The coins that we’ve released today have been personally endorsed by King Charles himself,” he said.

There was a time Ms Muhl didn’t know coin designing was a job, so it was a major “pinch me moment” when she was invited to design the coins last February.

“It sounds like a cliche, but I did feel like pinching myself. I’m from the country. I came from a small town in the Kimberley, so to arrive here at Government House and to see the coins together in their entirety, I’m like, ‘Oh, they look beautiful’,” she told The West.

“I’ve got a little bit teary at times. I wasn’t quite expecting to, but when I realised how important this occasion was, I did feel really amazing.

“It’s just really nice to be included in a project like this. This is a little piece of history that we have here at Perth,” she said.

The public can see the coins for themselves at the open day on Sunday between 10am and 3pm.