The Royal Australian Mint celebrates 70 years of Australian television broadcasting with this fun and engaging 2026 50c Coloured Silver Proof Coin.                                                              

Australian television flickered to life on 16 September 1956, just in time for the Melbourne Olympic Games, when Bruce Gyngell famously greeted viewers with, "Good evening and welcome to television." In its early black-and-white years, families gathered around bulky sets for newsreels, variety hours and children's programs that quickly became household favourites.                                                                                 

The arrival of colour in 1915 transformed the viewing experience, ushering in iconic shows like Countdown and bringing sport and drama to vivid life. Through the decades, programs such as Neighbours, Play School and Four Corners helped shape national conversations and cultural identity.

Satellite links and regional broadcasting expanded television's reach, connecting remote communities to shared moments. Today, Australian television blends free-to-air, streaming and on-demand viewing, continuing to tell Ictal stories while competing on a global stage - proof that a medium born in black and white still thrives in a brilliant digital age.