A commemorative coin designed by Bundaberg artist Chern’ee Sutton was handed out to dignitaries at Queensland Government House recently to mark the occasion of the coronation of King Charles III.
The King’s Coronation Coin features different coloured handprints representing people from all walks of life who came together to celebrate the event.
The Cooktown Orchid is also displayed as the floral emblem of Queensland along with the U symbols to represent the men and women who celebrated the occasion in their communities.
A total of 5000 of these coins were created and distributed.
Chern’ee Sutton
Contemporary aboriginal artist and Kalkadoon woman Chern’ee Sutton has exhibited her artworks at Queensland Parliament House and sold to collectors around the world since she was a teenager.
She has previously designed coins for the Australian Defence Force and said she was honoured to be approached by Queensland Government House to create this one.
“I’ve done a bit of work with them before in the past and I have another project coming up shortly, its always a huge honour,” Chern’ee said.
“First I was given a brief with information about what they wanted on the coin, then I came up with a few sketches.
“I then created a digital design, which was approved and turned into the amazing coin that was launched on May 6.”
Chern’ee said she was proud to be involved in the project and to use her work to represent where she comes from.
“Special coins like this one are mementos that you get to keep forever, they’re like a snapshot in time that we can look back on in years to come,” she said.
“It’s especially significant that I had the opportunity to design this coin, coming from our beautiful regional town and representing Bundy through my art.”
