Which Australian 50c coins should I collect? Australia has a rich history of minting coins, and the Australian 50c is no exception.
This small denomination coin has been around since 1966. In that time, it’s seen several changes to its design and even several different types of coins in circulation at once (making it even more interesting for collectors).
So if you want to start collecting Australian coins but need help figuring out where to start, this guide will help you!
Australian 50c Coins
Australian fifty-cent coins are made of a cupro-nickel alloy. They were introduced in 1966, replacing the pre-decimal shilling coin, based on the sterling silver threepence coin used before metrication in Australia.
The last year of minting for these coins was 2001, though they continued to be accepted in circulation until 2002.
In terms of design and quality, these coins represent one of Australia’s most diverse ranges of circulating coinage.
A Guide to Australian 50c Coin Values
The Australian 50c coin is a small denomination worth half the Australian dollar.
It has been in circulation since 1966, and its value is determined by its purity and weight.
The Royal Australian Mint began minting 50c coins in 1966 after Australia replaced the old British pound note with its currency.
The copper-nickel alloy we know today as “50 cent pieces” was first used for these coins in 1991 when they were introduced into the general circulation to replace paper money.
If you’re looking to begin collecting Australian 50c coins, several factors will affect their rarity and, thus, their value.
What to Look for When Collecting Australian 50c
When collecting Australian 50c coins, looking for them in good condition is essential.
The definition of “good” will depend on the type of coin you’re collecting.
For example, if you’re looking for uncirculated (also known as a mint state) coins, a coin that has been graded by a third-party grading service like NGC or PCGS would be considered “in good condition.”
If you are starting with your Australian 50c collection, however — or if you are interested in collecting other types of world currency — other factors can affect how well your collection is preserved over time.
One such factor is “eye appeal,” which refers to a coin’s appearance when viewed from different angles and positions under magnification.
Eye appeal plays a vital role in determining what makes up “grade” when evaluating collectible currency; therefore, it’s recommended that collectors who want their money to retain its value over time consider this before buying any new pieces for their collections.
How Much Is My 50c Worth
The first thing you need to do is check the condition of your coin. If it’s in excellent condition, you will receive a much higher price at auction than in poor or uncirculated condition.
The year of issue is another factor that can affect how much your 50c coin is worth. If it was minted during the early years of decimal currency, it’s likely to be more valuable than if it was struck later on (the production of Australian coins ended in 1964).
Mintage refers to how many coins were made during a specific period and also affects price fluctuations—for example, if there are only 100 examples in existence.
Still, thousands upon thousands were made but never used by collectors or banks; this will affect prices significantly because demand for them would be very high!
Which Australian 50c Coins Should I Collect?
1970 Captain Cook Bicentenary 50c
This coin was minted to commemorate James Cook’s 200th anniversary of his 1770 voyage.
There is a total of 16,555,000 units minted by the Royal Australian Mint. These coins have been in circulation for 52 years now!
The obverse side of the coin shows a crowned and draped Queen Elizabeth II, and on the reverse side, you can see a bust of James Cook and a background of the map of Australia with a dotted line showing his voyage up the East Coast of Australia.
1977 Silver Jubilee 50c
To commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s 25th anniversary on the throne, this 1977 Silver Jubilee 50c shows a crowned and draped young bust of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse side of the coin.
The reverse side shows a wattle blossom at the center within a ring of 25 overlapping crowns. The coin has a total mintage of 25,131,000!
1981 Royal Wedding 50c
A coin made by the Royal Mint with a mintage of 20,000,000. The coin still depicts a crowned and draped bust of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse side of the coin.
The reverse side of the coins shows the conjoined heads of Charles and Diana to commemorate their wedding.
1982 Commonwealth Games 50c
This coin has been in circulation for 40 years! With a mintage of 49,600,000, this coin was minted to commemorate the Brisbane XII Commonwealth Games.
The obverse side shows a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, and the reverse side shows some sports played during this Commonwealth Games.
1988 First Fleet Bicentenary 50c
To commemorate the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet, this 50c cupro-nickel coin was minted.
With a mintage of 8,990,800 by the Royal Australian Mint, this coin features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the King George IV State Diadem.
The reverse side depicts a map of New Holland (Australia), the stars of the southern cross, and the ship of the First Fleet.
Before you go…
In conclusion, the best way to collect Australian 50c coins is to do so in a way that makes sense for you. There are many interesting ones out there, but at the end of the day, it’s up to you which ones are worth collecting.
Check out my next article: “10 Of The Best Australian Coins To Collect.”
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