Australia 1970 50 Cents - Captain Cook Bicentenary Commemorative - Dodecagonal

Elizabeth II, Stuart Devlin design. Royal Australian Mint, Canberra. No mint mark.



In 1770, Captain James Cook charted the east coast of Australia and changed the course of history. Two hundred years later, the Royal Australian Mint commemorated that voyage with this iconic 50 cent piece. Stuart Devlin's striking reverse features Cook's portrait alongside HMS Endeavour, an outline map of Australia, and Cook's own facsimile signature. This was also the year Australia's distinctive dodecagonal (12-sided) 50 cent shape made its debut. A coin that marks two milestones at once, and one of the most widely recognised Australian commemorative pieces of the decimal era.



This is a circulated example in honest Very Fine condition. The high points of Cook's portrait show moderate flattening, with some loss of fine detail in the hair, hat and waves. Legends remain readable. Light natural toning consistent with age. No major damage, deep scratches or corrosion. A collectable, recognisable piece at an accessible grade.



Grade (our assessment): VF-25 to VF-30 (Very Fine) - based on photo review. Buyers are encouraged to view in person to confirm grade.

Slabbed: No (raw coin)

Metal: Copper-nickel (80% copper, 20% nickel)

Weight: 15.55 grams

Diameter: 31.5 mm

Shape: Dodecagonal (12-sided)

Cleaning: No evidence of cleaning. Original surfaces.

Toning: Light natural toning consistent with age.



The Captain Cook 50 cent is popular with new and experienced collectors alike. Readily collected, historically significant, and a genuine piece of Australian numismatic history. Grade verification in hand is recommended prior to bidding.



Specifications

Country: Australia

Denomination: Fifty Cents (50c)

Year: 1970

Design: Captain Cook Bicentenary Commemorative

Designer: Stuart Devlin (reverse)

Mint: Royal Australian Mint, Canberra. No mint mark.

Metal: Copper-nickel

Weight: 15.55 grams

Diameter: 31.5 mm

Shape: Dodecagonal (12-sided)

Grade: VF-25 to VF-30 (our assessment - verify in person)

Slabbed: No

** This Auction is ONLINE VIEWING and SHIPPING ONLY **

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