Back in 1966, we ran a competition that caught the eye of coin enthusiasts everywhere.
From that competition the iconic Swan Dollar was born, which today remains one of the most sought-after designs ever produced in Australian numismatics.
60 years later we’re running it back. This time, however, the stakes are much higher.
Crown Design Competition
Design your coin, send us your submission and be in to win big!
• $50,000AUD grand prize
• Winning design struck in gold & silver
• Entries close end of September
The Brief
Other than the date, the theme of the new competition remains unchanged from the original:
“A design of any nature suitable to Australia, and the words AUSTRALIA 2027.”
That could mean Aussie flora, fauna, food or something fun – the choice is yours! No limit is placed on the coin’s design, except that it should be simple and modern.
Both a reverse and obverse design are required for each entry. The crown is 38mm in diameter.
• A monarch is not required
• Entrants may submit as many designs as they wish
• The winning design must be able to be produced using modern minting standards
Entries open 1 February 2026 and close at 11:59pm AEST on 30 September 2026.
The winner will be announced in the November 2026 issue of Australian Coin Review. Click here for the full T&Cs.
Submitting Your Design
Send us your submission via the form below, or email it to us at [email protected].
You can submit a detailed sketch, concept or finished design. Winning designs will be professionally refined to meet minting standards, with the original creator involved along the way as the design comes to life.
Note, the template is just a guide and is not required to be used.
The Prizes
We did say the stakes would be much higher this time round…
1st Place
$50,000AUD
2nd Place
$5,000AUD
3rd Place
$1,000AUD
Judging The Winner
Entries will be judged by a panel of three judges, including a representative of ACR.
Judging will be based on:
• Artistic merit
• Originality
• Relevance to theme
• Suitability for modern coin production
If you have any questions regarding the competition or our magazine, please email us at [email protected] or call us on 07 3128 1131.
The original comp that launched a legend.
In the December 1966 issue a competition was announced calling for enthusiasts to submit their best designs for a new ‘crown-sized’ coin of Australia.
The competition, which attracted interest and entrants worldwide, was the first of its kind and offered financial prizes that were potentially life-changing at the time.
In 2024, to celebrate our 60th birthday, we re-struck the original design to the exact mintage as before.
In the December 1966 issue a competition was announced calling for enthusiasts to submit their best designs for a new ‘crown-sized’ coin of Australia.
The competition, which attracted interest and entrants worldwide, was the first of its kind and offered financial prizes that were potentially life-changing at the time.
In 2024, to celebrate our 60th birthday, we re-struck the original design to the exact mintage as before.