Half a century ago, Countdown, a new music program aired on ABC television, initially on Friday night but subsequently every Sunday evening. Few Australian popular TV shows have attracted such a loyal audience or produced such an enduring impact.

With a brief to promote Australian music, Countdown and its host Ian “Molly” Meldrum oversaw the rise of a succession of talented Aussie bands and performers, names such as AC/DC, Kylie Minogue, John Farnham and Olivia Newton-John.

After 563 episodes, Countdown ceased on 19 July, 1987, though it was followed by the short-lived Countdown Revolution.

Coin Highlights:

• Design features the iconic Countdown logo on a retro television set, with stars and music notes, surrounded by a tunnel of multicoloured shapes
• Obverse features effigy of His Majesty King Charles III, designed by Daniel Thorne
• Limited mintage of 50,000 coins
• Australian legal tender