Australian Coat of Arms

Commonwealth Coat of Arms

Initial Coat of Arms
The initial coat of arms was granted
by a Royal Warrant of
King Edward VII
7 May 1908

Initial Coat of Arms

Coins
used on some Australian coins
last appeared on the sixpenny piece in 1966
50 cent piece
one shilling piece

Current Version
the current version
was granted
by King George V
(3 June 1865 –
20 January 1936)
19 September 1912

Why a new one?
no specific references to the states
approved
a new design:
alterations
six badge of states

What is in?
a shield: the badges of the six Australian states
+
enclosed by an ermine border
a symbol for the federation of the states, which took place in 1901

What is in?
the crest (helmet on a coat of arms)
a seven-pointed gold star on a blue and gold wreath.
Six of the points represent each of the states of the Commonwealth; the seventh point represents Australia’s territories

Additional Items
sprays of golden wattle
with a scroll beneath it
+
the word ‘Australia’

Six Badges
New South Wales
Victoria
Queensland
South Australia
Western Australia
Tasmania

“Supporters”
native animals + cannot walk backwards
Australia moves forwards
the kangaroo
the emu

USE
to authenticate documents
from embellishing the Australian passport to forming part of all Australian government departmental insignias
The use by private citizens or organisations

Motto
the motto ‘Advance Australia’
before the federation of the states in 1901, popularly accepted due to the song ‘Advance Australia Fair’ Australia’s national anthem in 1984
Advance Australia Fair

Colours
green and gold as national colours
Before: tradition
the use of green and gold by Australia’s international sporting teams

Pretext
The coat of arms
basis of
the Queen's Personal Australian Flag
+
a slightly modified version has formed the basis of
the Great Seal of Australia
(since 1973)