Two commemorative coins, released by the Royal Australian Mint and bearing a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, have been criticised for their lack of resemblance to the late monarch. The $5 (£2.56) and 50 cent silver coins, created to commemorate the centenary of the Queen's birth, were released in an online ballot that closed on Wednesday. Critics voiced their displeasure on social media, with one commenter stating, 'That's got to be the most unpleasant portrait on a coin.' In response, the Royal Australian Mint defended the artwork, proclaiming that coin images do not always capture the full beauty of a design once etched in metal. Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 96, was the UK's longest-serving monarch. Additional feedback included comments likening the portrait to various TV characters, drawing particular attention to the resemblance to Mrs. Doubtfire. Conversely, some members of the public expressed positive sentiments about the coins. One user declared, 'Awesome. I'm glad they put something out to do with Queen Elizabeth II; she deserves to have recognition in a special way.' Despite the mixed feedback, collector interest remained high, and reports indicated that the ballot for the coins was fully subscribed. According to a spokesperson for the Royal Australian Mint, the silver proof coins had sold out, with limited stocks remaining available for purchase. The mint produced 30,000 of the 50-cent coins and 5,000 of the $5 versions, which are designed as collector’s items and will not enter general circulation. The coins are adorned with various motifs symbolically reflecting Queen Elizabeth II's life, including her royal cypher, a stylised St Edward's Crown, and nods to her support for culture through references to her favourite flowers and animals.