2025 50 Years of the Australian Honours System Six Coin Proof Year Set

The Australian Honours and Awards system formally recognises Australians who have distinguished themselves through exceptional service and achievement. Announced on Australia Day and the King’s Birthday public holidays each year, they acknowledge anyone deserving, regardless of background or field. This very egalitarian principle is at the core of the honours system, and is reflected in its diverse recipients.

They are from all parts of the country, of all ages, volunteers, in the military, first responders, in fields ranging from healthcare and education, to sport and the arts, to industry and charity. The common theme – they are selfless, and they have had an impact.

Introduced in 1975, by then Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, the first Australian honours and awards were issued on 14 February with the Order of Australia, the Australian Bravery Decorations, and the National Medal, all designed by Stuart Devlin.

They have now expanded to include meritorious awards, gallantry, distinguished and conspicuous service decorations, and operational and services medals. Over the fifty years since, more than 500,000 people have been recognised. Some are well known, while the vast majority are famous only to their loved ones. They are all ordinary people doing extraordinary things, to help foster a more extraordinary Australia.

Each coin is struck by the Royal Australian Mint in proof quality and is issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965.

DESIGN

Each of the coin’s reverse features the iconic designs of Australia’s 5c, 10c, 20c, $1 and $2 coins.

This set features a specially designed coloured 50c coin based on Stuart Devlin’s iconic Order of Australia medal, incorporating the ribbon colours of the Order of Australia, Bravery and National medals.

The obverse of each coin features the effigy of King Charles III by designer Daniel Thorne as well as the 2025 year-date.

PRESENTATION

Each coin comes individually capsuled and presented in a black Royal Australian Mint display box. Each set of coins is accompanied by an information booklet and is presented in a ‘Celebrating Australians’ themed shipper.

Technical Specifications

ABOUT ROYAL AUSTRALIAN MINT