25 Cents - Elizabeth II (4th Portrait - FIFA World Cup 2006 - Silver Proof)

This 25-cent silver proof coin was issued by the Royal Australian Mint in 2006 to commemorate Australia's participation in the FIFA World Cup held in Germany. This event marked a historic milestone for the Australian national team, the Socceroos, as it was their first appearance in the tournament finals in 32 years. The coin serves as a numismatic tribute to the growing popularity of association football within the Australian sporting landscape at the time.

The coin features the fourth portrait of Queen Elizabeth II designed by Ian Rank-Broadley on the obverse, a standard for Australian coinage during that period. The reverse depicts a stylized soccer ball alongside design elements representing movement and competition, reflecting the energy of the sport. As a proof-quality issue, the piece was produced with polished dies and a frosted relief, specifically intended for collectors rather than circulation, and it was received by the numismatic community as a thematic entry in the Royal Australian Mint’s sporting commemorative series.