For many of us, carrying loose change in our pockets is an inconvenience that has largely been replaced by the ease of card payments. However, some rare Australian coins can transform what seems like everyday pocket change into something far more valuable. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, the world of rare Australian coins has a lot to offer. The coin-collecting market has been experiencing a surge in recent years, particularly following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. Coins from the Royal Australian Mint that marked significant moments of her reign, such as her Coronation and Platinum Jubilee, have seen dramatic increases in value.
Table of Contents
With the coronation of King Charles III in 2023 and the release of new currency, the market for rare Australian coins continues to evolve. Coins featuring Queen Elizabeth II remain highly sought after, while new coins depicting King Charles III have sparked fresh interest among collectors. But what makes a coin rare, and how can you spot a valuable one?
Why Rare Australian Coins Are Worth Collecting
Coin collecting, or numismatics, is a hobby that has gained significant popularity, particularly on social media platforms. A key figure driving this renewed interest is Perth-based teacher Joel Kandiah, a coin enthusiast with a following of over 131,000 on TikTok (@thehistoryofmoney) and 86,000 on Instagram (@thehistoryof_money). With nearly three decades of experience, Kandiah educates his followers about the history and value of rare coins, helping them navigate the world of Australian numismatics.
For those unfamiliar with the market, it’s important to note that rare coins are much rarer than you might expect. Of the 15 billion coins minted during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, only around 1% to 5% are considered rare or special. This makes finding a truly valuable coin much more difficult than simply spotting one in your daily transactions.
Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable rare Australian coins to keep an eye out for.
Most Valuable Rare Australian Coins to Collect
$2 Coins
- 2012 Red Poppy $2 Coin
- Why It’s Special: Released to commemorate Remembrance Day, this coin features a striking red poppy on its surface. Two versions were minted—one with a ‘C’ mintmark and one without—which were produced in limited quantities.
- Mintage: 503,000
- Market Price: Between $150 and $370
- 2013 Purple Coronation $2 Coin
- Why It’s Special: This was the first coloured coin released by the Royal Australian Mint, marking the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation. The purple stripe across the coin’s surface has made it highly collectible, particularly after the Queen’s passing.
- Mintage: 995,000
- Market Price: $75 to $180
- 2015 Lest We Forget $2 Coin
- Why It’s Special: Created to commemorate the centenary of the Gallipoli landings, this coin features powerful imagery and the phrase “LEST WE FORGET” in bold red.
- Mintage: 1.46 million
- Market Price: $20 to $50
- 2008 or 2009 Double Struck $2 Coin
- Why It’s Special: Double-struck coins are rare errors where a coin is struck twice during minting, often increasing its value significantly due to its rarity.
- Mintage: Very rare, exact mintage unknown
- Market Price: Up to $3,000
$1 Coins
- 2000 $1/10c Mule
- Why It’s Special: This error coin was struck using the incorrect die, resulting in a $1 coin with a 10c die. It’s one of the rarest and most valuable Australian coins.
- Mintage: Estimated between 6,000 and 7,000
- Market Price: $300 to $3,500
- 2002 Year of the Outback “Coloured Proof” $1 Coin
- Why It’s Special: This coin was issued in a set with vibrant blue and red colours depicting the map of Australia. While the standard version of this coin is common, the coloured proof version is highly sought after.
- Mintage: 39,513 (34 million of the non-coloured version)
- Market Price: $80 to $460
- 2016 Changeover $1 Coin
- Why It’s Special: Issued to commemorate 50 years since Australia switched to decimal currency, this coin features a design that reflects pre-decimal currency.
- Mintage: 540,000
- Market Price: $10 to $135
50c Coins
- 2022 Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 50c Coin
- Why It’s Special: This uncirculated coin was released to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s 70th year on the throne. It is one of the most sought-after coins from the Royal Australian Mint.
- Mintage: 70,000
- Market Price: $70 to $100
- 2000 Millennium ‘Recessed’ 50c Coin
- Why It’s Special: A rare error coin released to mark the year 2000, this 50c coin features a recessed central cross on the Australian flag, making it highly collectible.
- Mintage: 200,000 (from 16.6 million total mintage)
- Market Price: $50 to $800
- 1985 50c Coin
- Why It’s Special: This coin features the second effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, and its low mintage makes it one of the rarest 50c coins.
- Mintage: 1,000,000
- Market Price: $10 to $30
20c Coins
- 1966 Wavy Baseline 20c Coin
- Why It’s Special: This rare coin is a result of an early minting error, where the baseline of the number ‘2’ on the reverse side of the coin is wavy. It is highly sought after by collectors.
- Mintage: Very rare, exact mintage unknown
- Market Price: $180 to $3,500
5c Coins
- 2007 Double-Headed Australian 5 Cent Coin
- Why It’s Special: A remarkable minting error, this coin features two heads on one side, making it an extraordinary find for collectors.
- Mintage: Very rare, exact mintage unknown
- Market Price: Up to $3,000
Rare Coin Collector Sets
- 2019 “Effigies Over Time” 6-Coin Collector Set
- Why It’s Special: This set features six coins, each displaying a different effigy of Queen Elizabeth II from 1953 to 2019, making it an essential piece for collectors.
- Mintage: 14,736
- Market Price: $250 to $1,000
- 2019 50th Anniversary Of The Dodecagon 50c Coin Pack
- Why It’s Special: Released to mark the 50th anniversary of the dodecagon-shaped coin, this set includes a gold-plated 50c coin and features the five different effigies of Queen Elizabeth II.
- Mintage: 20,000
- Market Price: $150 to $500
The Holy Grail of Coin Collecting: The 1913 Liberty Nickel Worth $3.7 Million
Discovery of a Rare $840K 1943 Copper Penny: Holy Grail of Coin Collecting Remarkable
3 Rare Coins You Might Have in Your Pocket Worth Thousands
Coins with the Highest Potential for Resale Value
$138K Rare Penny Coins to Look For: Discover Most Valuable Error Pennies Worth Big Money
Overrated Rare Australian Coins
While the world of rare Australian coins is vast, some coins have been less well-received by collectors. According to Joel Kandiah, two specific coins don’t live up to their hype:
- 2011 Uncirculated Royal Wedding 50c Coin: Commemorating the marriage of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, this coin has been criticized for its lack of detail and poor likeness of the couple.
- Mintage: Uncirculated
- Market Price: Around $30
- 2010 Australian Taxation Office Centenary 20c Coin: Minted to mark 100 years of the Australian Taxation Office, this coin has not garnered much interest from collectors.
- Mintage: 11.6 million
- Market Price: $3 to $10 (for carded special release)
Start Your Collection Today
Whether you’re looking for rare Australian coins as an investment or simply enjoy the thrill of the hunt, there are plenty of valuable coins to discover. From the iconic red poppy $2 coin to error coins like the 2007 double-headed 5 cent piece, there’s a wealth of opportunities for both new and experienced collectors. Keep an eye out for these rare gems, and you could soon find yourself holding a coin that’s worth much more than its face value
Leave a Reply