RAM: 50th Anniversary of The Rainbow Serpent Gold Plated Copper-Nickel 2025 (coin in card)

RAM: 50th Anniversary of The Rainbow Serpent Gold-Plated CuNi 2025 (coin in card) is the fifth and final release in the “Australian Children’s Literature” series, produced by the Royal Australian Mint in collaboration with the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA). The coin commemorates the 50th anniversary of “The Rainbow Serpent” – an important Aboriginal Dreamtime story written and illustrated by Dick Roughsey.

The “Australian Children’s Literature” program was launched in 2021 with the release of a coin dedicated to Graeme Base’s “Animalia”. Subsequent releases included “Diary of a Wombat” (2022), “Edward the Emu” (2023), and “Where is the Green Sheep?” (2024). Issued in partnership with the CBCA, the series coincides with the annual “Book Week” and aims to promote reading among young Australians.

The reverse of the coin features Dick Roughsey’s illustrations depicting scenes from the story of the Rainbow Serpent, accompanied by the inscription “50th Anniversary of The Rainbow Serpent” and the face value. The obverse depicts King Charles III’s effigy, surrounded by inscriptions with his name, year of issue, and face value.

The coin is struck from cupro-nickel, plated with gold, weighs 11.3 g, has a diameter of 28.52 mm, and is limited to 3,000 pieces. It is presented in a colourful collector card, making it an excellent gift or addition to a thematic collection focused on children’s literature and Aboriginal culture.

Obverse: Effigy of King Charles III, surrounded by his name, year of issue, and face value.

Reverse: Design by Dick Roughsey inspired by “The Rainbow Serpent” story, complemented by the inscription “50th Anniversary of The Rainbow Serpent” and the face value.