The 1956 Florin was struck at the Melbourne Mint with a mintage of 8,090,000. The reverse features the Kruger Gray Coat of Arms design which remained in use until the introduction of decimal currency. The obverse features an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as designed by Mary Gillick.This type features a slightly different obverse legend which was modified to include 'F.D' (Defender of the Faith) after its removal two years earlier. The removal had caused substantial controversy with groups including 'The United Protestants' Association' leading protests against the change. Commonwealth authorities initially ignored the protests arguing that the changes were completed out of no disrespect or political message but just to simplify the obverse design. They eventually gave into the pressure restoring the 'F.D' on the 1954 Royal Visit commemorative Florin and all following Florins.
All dates in the Queen Elizabeth Florin series are easy to acquire in mint-state, however, this 1956 type becomes quite scarce in upper mint-state grades. Most other dates in the series are more accessible at or above MS63 with mint rolls being found for all years from 1958 to 1963 and a few 1957 rolls.