Australia 50-CENTS (KM139)

The ram design first appeared on Australia's silver shilling (KM39, 1938-1944). It was continued on subsequent shillings through to 1963. Twenty-eight years later it reappeared on this large dodecagonal (12-sided) 50 cent coin commemorating the 25th anniversary of the switch to decimal currency.

Australia is one of the world's largest producers of lamb and mutton, and the world's largest exporter of mutton and live sheep. As of 2015, Australia's national sheep flock numbered around 70 million, which is over three times the number of people. This has declined from around 75 million due to prolonged dry conditions and increased slaughtering rates.