2025 50th Anniversary of The Rainbow Serpent Coin Special Edition Book
The Australian Children’s Literature program launched in 2021 with the release of coins celebrating Graeme Base’s Anamalia. This was followed by coins featuring Diary of a Wombat (2022), Edward the Emu (2023) and Where is the Green Sheep? (2024). The releases, in association with the CBCA, coincide with the annual Book Week, and shine a light on the magic of reading.
The Rainbow Serpent, written and illustrated by Dick Roughsey, is the fifth and final release in the series. Roughsey was a Lardil man from Mornington Island in Queensland and is recognised for his invaluable contributions to art and children’s literature. Still in publication today, The Rainbow Serpent won the CBCA’s Book of the Year and Picture Book of the Year awards in 1976.
Struck by Royal Australian Mint, these coins are issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965 and have a mintage of 5,000.
DESIGN
The reverse features coloured designs by illustrator Dick Roughsey as well as the inscription “50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE RAINBOW SERPENT” and the monetary denomination.
The obverse features the Dan Thorne effigy of His Majesty King Charles III as well as the 2025 year-date.
PRESENTATION
Each coin is presented in a Dick Roughsey The Rainbow Serpent themed special edition book.
Technical Specifications
| Year Date | 2025 |
| Denomination (AUD) | 0.20 |
| Metal Content | CuNi |
| Mass (g) | 11.30 |
| Diameter (mm) | 28.52 |
| Finish | Uncirculated |
| Maximum Mintage | 5,000 |
| Reverse / Obverse Designer | RAM / D. Thorne |
| Packaging | Coin in “The Rainbow Serpent” themed book |

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