There’s nothing like collecting coins. So whether you’re a history buff or want to add some unique pieces to your collection, there are plenty of Australian coins worth collecting.
Here are our top 10 picks:
Australian Coins To Collect:
2000 Mule One Dollar Coin
A few Australian dollar coins were accidentally produced in 2000 using a 10-cent obverse (heads) die.
The resultant mule had a heavier than usual rim on the obverse because the 10 cents is barely smaller than the dollar.
Prices quickly increased due to error coin collectors, and there was a rush to locate the errant coins, especially in Perth, where many dollar/10 cents mules have been released.
Later, discoveries were also reported in other regions of the nation.
There are many different estimates for the precise number printed; at most, 6,000.
A 2000 mule dollar would be an incredible find with values ranging from several hundred dollars to, as demonstrated above, several thousands of dollars, despite being extremely unlikely to be still found in change.
2007 ‘Double Head’ Five Cent Coin
If you’re looking for a different coin than the rest, the 2007 Double Head Five Cent Coin is worth your time. Struck using two obverse dies to produce (Double Head).
Top grades for the 2007 5-cent Double Head are frequently discovered, indicating that they were taken out of the mint rather than circulated.
2010 ‘Upset’ Fifty Cent Coin
Coin noodlers discovered a new 50-cent Australian coin variety in 2012.
Unfortunately, the obverse and reverse dies were not properly aligned when the coins were struck, making this variety an Upset Coin Error.
Australian coins are typically struck in medallic alignment, meaning both the coin’s obverse and reverse are facing the same direction.
It can be challenging to gauge how upset these mistakes will make you feel.
The unusual dodecagonal (12-sided) shape of the 2010 upset 50-cent coin makes it simple to determine the level of upset, though.
2000 ‘Incuse Flag’ Fifty-Cent Coin
The Royal Australian Mint issued a commemorative 50-cent coin in 2000 to mark the start of a new millennium.
On the so-called “2000 Millennium 50c,” Queen Elizabeth II is depicted as usual by Ian Rank-Broadley.
The reverse features a stylized Australian flag with the Union Jack in the top left corner.
Some coin collectors became aware after the coins had been released that the flag on some differed slightly from others.
The cross of Saint Andrew, Union Jack’s central symbol, was in relief on the standard design (that is, it projected out from the surface of the coin).
The cross was incorporated into the less common variety (sunk into the coin’s surface).
Additionally, the Federation Star differs between the two types. The flag’s large seven-pointed star beneath the Union Jack is known as the Federation Star.
The star’s surface is noticeably rougher on the normal variety of the Australian 2000 Millennium fifty cents than on the incuse flag fifty cents.
1966 Wavy Baseline Twenty-Cent Coin
One of Australia’s rarest circulated decimal coins is the 1966 wavy baseline 20-cent coin.
Even though 58.2 million 20-cent coins with the year 1966 were produced, very few have what collectors call a “wavy baseline.”
Look at the bottom portion of the “2” on the tail side to spot the 20-cent coin with the wavy baseline.
On all standard 20 cent coins, the top and bottom edges of the base of the “2” are straight, but on the 1966 wavy baseline 20 cent coin, the upper edge of the base of the “2” clearly has a wave to it.
Australian Lunar Series
The 12 Chinese zodiac animals inspire each Australian lunar series produced by The Perth Mint.
However, because coin collectors are enamored with each yearly release, the 12-year series has endured.
The Perth Mint, founded in 1996, was the first to launch an Australian lunar coin program.
It is now in its third series as a result of its popularity.
These Australian lunar collector coins, which are made with the finest gold, silver, platinum, and intricate craftsmanship, explore the ancient tradition and mythical folklore of the Chinese Great Race.
Australian Gold Kangaroos
The Perth Mint, Australia’s national mint, produces the stunning 99.99% pure gold bullion coin known as the Australian Gold Kangaroo.
Each coin is shipped in a separate plastic container.
The Perth Mint has an unrivaled reputation for producing the highest-quality coins in the world, thanks to its use of cutting-edge manufacturing technology and unrivaled minting expertise.
In addition, the Australian legal tender status of each coin, struck by the venerable Perth Mint from 99.99% pure gold, ensures its weight and purity.
1923 Halfpenny
One of Australia’s most valuable pre-decimal coins is the 1923 halfpenny, which was struck during economic expansion and industrial unrest.
It has a long history of being highly sought after by collectors, and the true reason for its extreme rarity has long been a mystery.
Collectors with taste know how difficult it is to locate items of superior quality.
1972 5c
Until the 2016 Decimal Currency 5c, the lowest mintage for a circulating 5c coin was the 8.25 million 1972-dated five-cent coins.
Because of this, collectors have always considered the 1972 coin to be the “key date” of the series.
A well-circulated 1972 five-cent coin could be worth $5 or so if you discover one in your change.
On the other hand, it might be worth $50 or more if you can locate one from an old money box or coin collection that is lustrous and uncirculated, like the day it was made.
1945 Sixpence
The 1945 Sixpence is the Penultimate Silver Sixpence because it was produced the year before the final silver sixpence was ever produced.
There is something special about a coin struck in silver; they look and feel great.
This particular coin was minted under King George VI shortly after the conclusion of World War II.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this list of some of the best Australian coins to collect.
We tried to keep it as varied and exciting as possible, but if we still need to include something you think should be on here, let us know!
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how can people be allowed to take incorrectly stamped coins from the mint? shouldnt they be sent back to the smelter and re-melted and re-produced? the people that work at the mint can make a fortune. I;d like to be able to work there, make a dozen coins with two heads and then wait ten years an flog them for a million too. how does this happen? and who decides what gets done to them and who gets them? In my mind and mistakes should be removed and destroyed or mixed in with the other rolls and sent to the banks as normal. this getting “mint taken” stuff sounds a bit corruptish to me.