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The Australia 6 Piece Proof Set 2020 *6th Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II* marks a pivotal moment in Australian numismatics, showcasing the official transition to the sixth effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on national coinage. This portrait, created by acclaimed British engraver Jody Clark, replaced the long-standing Ian Rank-Broadley effigy used since 1999. The 2020 proof set celebrates this change by featuring the new Clark portrait on all six standard circulating coin denominations, each struck in exquisite proof quality. This set represents both a continuation of tradition and the introduction of a fresh chapter in Australia’s monetary history, making it a must-have for collectors of modern coinage and royal memorabilia.
Each coin in the 2020 proof set bears the sixth official portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Jody Clark of the Royal Mint in the United Kingdom. Unlike earlier effigies, Clark’s portrait depicts the Queen facing right, adorned with the Royal Diamond Diadem worn during the State Opening of Parliament. It offers a lifelike representation of the monarch in her 90s, capturing grace and dignity with remarkable detail and realism. The legend surrounding the portrait reads “ELIZABETH II • AUSTRALIA • 2020.” This effigy reflects a generational evolution and honors the Queen’s long and stable reign while bringing a contemporary style to Australian coinage.
The six coins included in the set are the 5 cent, 10 cent, 20 cent, 50 cent, 1 dollar, and 2 dollar denominations. Each coin retains its iconic reverse design: the echidna (5c), lyrebird (10c), platypus (20c), Australian Coat of Arms (50c), mob of five kangaroos (1 dollar), and the Aboriginal elder with native flora and the Southern Cross (2 dollars). These classic motifs, originally crafted by designers such as Stuart Devlin and Horst Hahne, are rendered with extraordinary clarity thanks to the proof finish. The contrast between the frosted design elements and the highly polished fields allows the viewer to appreciate details that are often lost in regular circulation coins.
Struck at the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra, each coin in this set is produced using specially polished dies and planchets to ensure flawless surfaces and razor-sharp details. The proof striking process involves multiple strikes to create the deep cameo effect, where the reliefs are crisply frosted and the fields exhibit a mirror-like sheen. This high-quality finish enhances both visual appeal and collectible value, especially given that 2020 marks the debut of the sixth portrait, an event that occurs only once per generation.
The 2020 6 Piece Proof Set is housed in a premium dark blue leatherette presentation case lined with soft black velvet. Each coin is encapsulated in an individual protective holder to preserve its pristine condition. The set is accompanied by a full-color outer box and a numbered certificate of authenticity from the Royal Australian Mint. The packaging includes thematic design elements commemorating the introduction of the new effigy, including historical context and insights into Jody Clark’s artistic process. As both a functional and symbolic tribute, the set’s presentation underscores the significance of this numismatic transition.
The mintage for the 2020 proof set was limited to just 7,000 units, reflecting the Royal Australian Mint’s commitment to exclusivity and collectibility for its premium releases. The relatively low mintage combined with the historical importance of the new portrait has driven strong demand, particularly among collectors who focus on monarchial transitions, Australian annual proof sets, or royal-themed coinage. The debut of a new effigy always marks a key numismatic milestone, and this set offers the earliest and highest-quality representations of that transition.
Condition is critical to the enduring value of the 2020 set. Coins must remain sealed in their original capsules, with flawless proof surfaces free from spotting, hazing, or other blemishes. The display case and outer packaging should be well-preserved, with certificates intact. Some collectors choose to submit individual coins—especially the higher denominations or the first portrait examples—to third-party grading services such as PCGS or NGC. Perfectly graded coins (PF70) and near-perfect (PF69) examples can command significant premiums, particularly when the issue represents a numismatic first.
Visually, the 2020 proof set is striking and cohesive, with the new Queen’s effigy bringing a fresh and dignified presence to each coin. The realism and precision of Jody Clark’s design are enhanced by the reflective fields and frosted reliefs of the proof finish. When paired with the beloved reverse designs of Australian coinage, the set serves as both a nod to tradition and a look toward the future. The mirrored surfaces amplify the detail and depth of each design element, transforming familiar motifs into elegant examples of modern minting artistry.
Historically, Australia has featured six official portraits of Queen Elizabeth II since her coronation in 1953. Each transition—from Mary Gillick to Arnold Machin, Raphael Maklouf, Ian Rank-Broadley, and now Jody Clark—marks not only the passage of time but also the evolving relationship between the monarchy and the nation’s identity. The sixth portrait’s adoption in 2019–2020 symbolized continuity during a time of global change, as well as the Mint’s dedication to maintaining world-class artistic and technical standards in its coinage. The 2020 set, as the first full proof release to include the Jody Clark effigy on all denominations, captures this historic turning point in tangible form.
Today, the Australia 6 Piece Proof Set 2020 *6th Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II* remains one of the most important releases in the Royal Australian Mint’s recent history. Its combination of limited mintage, artistic relevance, technical excellence, and the numismatic milestone it represents make it an essential addition for collectors of Australian coinage, royal commemoratives, and modern proof sets. Whether held as part of a complete series or treasured for its symbolic value, this set is a refined and dignified tribute to the Queen’s reign and the ever-evolving legacy of Australia’s national currency.