Marilyn Monroe Depicted on Silver Proof Coin

The Perth Mint of Australia pays tribute to one of Hollywood’s legendary stars of the past with the release of a new silver proof coin. The 2012 Marilyn Monroe™ 1 oz Silver Proof Coin features a photographic image of the ‘blond bombshell’ on the reverse.

Photographed by Milton H Greene © 2012 Joshua Greene Marilyn Monroe™; Rights of Publicity and Persona Rights: The Estate of Marilyn Monroe, LLC marilynmonroe.com

Collectors may order the Marilyn Monroe silver proof coin directly from the Perth Mint. The cost for the licensed commemorative is currently $100.00.

Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926 in the charity ward of the Los Angeles County Hospital. She would spend the first years of her life passing from family members to orphanages as her mother was unable to care for her due to mental health reasons. From those humble and troubled beginnings, Norma Jeane would go on to become one of the most successful actresses, models and singers of her day.

It all started when Norma Jeane caught the eye of a photographer while she was working at an aeronautical plant during World War II. Within a few months, she was posing for magazines and secured a screen test with 20th Century Fox.

By the end of 1947, she was appearing in films. For the next decade and a half, her name alone would almost insure successful box office receipts for every movie she was associated with as she captivated the audience. She died on August 5, 1962 at the age of 36 from an overdose of barbiturates.

Marilyn Monroe Silver Proof Coin Design, Specifications and Order Details

Shown on the reverse of the Marilyn Monroe 1 oz Silver Proof Coin is a photographic image of the Hollywood icon. Behind her is a background of stars set against a representation of a piece of film. Beneath the image, a replica of Marilyn Monroe’s signature may be found. Also shown on the reverse is the Perth Mint’s historic ‘P’ mintmark. The reverse was designed by Perth artist Aleysha Howarth.

The obverse of the coin showcases Ian Rank-Broadley’s effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of England. Obverse inscriptions include "QUEEN ELIZABETH II," "TUVALU," "1 DOLLAR" and "1 OZ 999 SILVER."

Each Marilyn Monroe Silver Coin is struck as legal tender of the island nation of Tuvalu. They come with a face value of TUV $1 backed by that government.

The Perth Mint strikes the coins coin from one ounce of 99.9% pure silver with a diameter of minimum gross weight of 31.135 grams. Each has a maximum diameter of 40.60 mm and a maximum thickness of 4.00 mm.

The Marilyn Monroe coins are presented in a display case along with a numbered certificate of authenticity. Both are shipped in an illustrated shipper which also shows an image of Marilyn.

Purchases of the 2012 Marilyn Monroe 1 oz Silver Proof Coin may be made directly from the Perth Mint via its website. A maximum mintage of just 12,500 applies.

 

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About the Perth Mint

The Royal Mint of England established the Perth Mint (www.perthmint.com.au) as a branch facility in 1899 to refine and strike gold recovered from nearby deposits. Ownership was transferred to the State Government of Western Australia in 1970. Today the Perth is responsible for the Australian Federal Government’s Gold and Silver Bullion Coin Program in addition to striking some of the most unique numismatic coins in the world.