2025 50th Anniversary of The Rainbow Serpent Coloured Coin
The Royal Australian Mint and the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) proudly presents the fifth and final release in its Australian Children’s Literature program with three products inspired by author and illustrator Dick Roughsey’s The Rainbow Serpent.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, The Rainbow Serpent, is an important Dreamtime story accompanied by Roughsey’s stunning illustrations.
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 25,000.
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 presentation card.
Technical Specifications
| Year Date | 2025 |
| Denomination (AUD) | 0.20 |
| Metal Content | CuNi |
| Mass (g) | 11.30 |
| Diameter (mm) | 28.52 |
| Finish | Uncirculated |
| Maximum Mintage | 25,000 |
| Reverse / Obverse Designer | RAM / D. Thorne |
| Packaging | Coin in “The Rainbow Serpent” themed presentation card |
ABOUT ROYAL AUSTRALIAN MINT
The Royal Australian Mint, established in 1965 through the Royal Australian Mint Act, is the sole producer of Australia's circulating coins. Located in Canberra, it was officially opened on February 22, 1965, by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Its primary purpose is to produce legal tender coins for circulation, commemorative coins, and other numismatic products, ensuring a stable supply of high-quality coins. The Mint has embraced modern minting technologies, investing in state-of-the-art equipment and techniques. Known for its innovative designs, the Mint's coins often feature iconic Australian symbols, historical events, and cultural motifs, celebrating the nation's diverse heritage and natural beauty. It issues commemorative coins to mark significant events, anniversaries, and milestones, highly sought after by collectors. Internationally recognized for excellence in coin production and design, the Mint has won numerous awards and collaborates with mints worldwide. It engages the public through tours, educational programs, exhibitions, and events, promoting numismatic awareness and showcasing its heritage. Swan Bullion Company is proud to be an authorised distributor for both Royal Australian Mint bullion and numismatic products. 
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