THE Royal Australian Mint’s Donation Dollar program has been won the Best CashTech award, and a new coin has been released to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II.

The Mint’s award came at the CashTech Innovation Awards in Türkiye, recognising innovations that facilitate access to and acceptance of cash.

The world first Donation Dollar – released in 2020 – aims to engage all Australians in a moment of generosity, prompted by a simple $1 coin.

Royal Australian Mint CEO Leigh Gordon says one Donation Dollar had been minted for every Australian as a reminder of the importance of giving back.

The Mint announced on Wednesday their commemorative coin in honour of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

Leigh says it’s a beautiful 50c coin design in both fine silver proof and uncirculated finishes.

“This latest release is a study of graceful ageing by one of the era’s most recognisable female figureheads, symbolised through the six effigies of The Late Queen to have appeared on Australian coins,” he says.

Created in-house by the Mint’s design team, the central image is framed with lily of the valley, one of the Queen’s favourite flowers and golden wattle, Australia’s national floral emblem.