Obverse: the obverse features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II designed by Ian Rank-Broadley. Surrounding the portrait are the inscriptions “HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II”, the denomination and the year “2012”.
Reverse: the reverse depicts the Royal Arms of France featuring three fleur-de-lis beneath a royal crown. The inscription “HALF CROWN” appears on the left side. The design references the heraldic symbols of the French monarchy.
About the coin: this gold coin was issued in 2012 for Tristan da Cunha. It belongs to a collectible series celebrating historical and heraldic themes. The Écu d'Or was a famous French gold coin first introduced during the Middle Ages and became one of the most recognizable symbols of French royal authority and European commerce.