20 Cents - Elizabeth II (2nd Portrait)

The Australian 20-cent coin was introduced on February 14, 1966, as part of the nation’s major currency reform that saw the transition from the pound, shilling, and pence system to a decimal system. Minted in cupronickel, the coin was designed to replace the pre-decimal two-shilling florin. Its introduction reflected Australia’s shifting geopolitical alignment toward the United States and the broader trend of Commonwealth nations modernizing their financial systems to improve economic efficiency.

The obverse features the second portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by sculptor Arnold Machin, which was adopted for Australian coinage starting in 1966. The reverse depicts the platypus, an iconic Australian monotreme, designed by the artist and sculptor Stuart Devlin. Devlin’s work on the series is celebrated for bringing a distinct Australian identity to the new currency, and his platypus design has remained a consistent feature of the denomination for over five decades.