Crown Dollar Design Competition

Overview

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 else – the choice is yours!

It could be connected to the original Swan design, or something totally new.

• No monarch is required on your design.
• You must design the reverse andobverse sides.
• No AI can be used

No limit is placed on the coin’s design, except that it should be simple and modern.

The winning design will be based on:

• Artistic merit
• Originality
• Relevance to theme
• Suitability for modern coin production

Eligibility

During the Competition Period, the competition is open to individuals worldwide who submit a valid entry, provided that:

• entrants are aged 18 years or over at the time of entry; or
• entrants under 18 years of age at the time of entry have the prior consent and agreement of a parent or legal guardian to enter this competition and be found to these Terms and Conditions.

The following persons are not eligible to enter the competition:

• employees, officers, contractors or agents of the Promotor;
• members of the judging panel; and
• Immediate Family Members of any person referred to above.

Competition Period

The Competition Period commences on 3 February 2026 and applications must be received by the Promotor before 11:59pm AEST on 30 September 2026.

How to Enter

Entries must be submitted by email in the form of a photograph, scan or JPEG to the following email address: competitions@australiancoinreview.com.au.

Entrants may submit any number of entries during the Competition Period.

Each entry must be original, created by the entrant, free from any third-party rights or copyrighted material, and compliant with these Terms + Conditions.

Judging

Judging of entries will take place by a panel of judges appointed by the Promotor, including a representative of the Promotor. Entries will be judged based on:

• artistic merit;
• originality;
• relevance to theme; and
• suitability for modern coin production, of a standard set by the Promotor at its discretion.

Entries must be entirely human-created and must not be generated or derived from artificial intelligence or generative technologies of any kind. If the judges reasonably suspect the use of such technologies, the Promoter may disqualify the entry.

Chance plays no part in selecting any winning entrants.

The winner will be announced in the October 2026 issue of Australian Coin Review.

Prizes

First Prize: AUD$50,000

Second Prize: AUD$5,000

Third Prize: AUD$1,000