On 20 June 2018 the Australian $2 coin turns 30. $2 coin replaced $2 note which were less durable than coins. Although planning to replace $1 and $2 notes started at same time but $2 coin was introduced 4 years later than $1 coin.
Mr Horst Hahne design was selected out of many entries. His design featured traditional Aboriginal man, Southern Cross and Australian Flora. Interestingly coin till 1990 bears the initial of its designer and they were removed in 1990.
The coin was made up of composition of 92% copper, 6% aluminium and 2% nickel with circular shape with 20.50 mm diameter and 6.60 gram mass. Edges of the coin were interrupted milled. The coin was designed taking consideration of visually impaired community and was designed to fit into existing coinage.
Although 160.9 millions coins were produced in 1988 , there was no coin manufactured in 1991.
It was in 2012 when $2 coin was first time designed to commemorate a special occasion. Design by Aaron Baggio was used in 2012 to commemorate Remembrance Day. The coin contained image of poppy in the middle. 5.8 millions coins were produced with poppy and 0.5 millions were produced with red poppy flower in centre. Since then every year the coin is being used to commemorate an important occasion. In 2016 it was the first time that observe of the coin has been changed. It was 1966 changeover commemoration that reflected on the coins in circulation.
Source: Royal Australian Mint Website.
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