Web Directory: Australian coins

Coins of the Australian dollar are circulated with different designs depicting various anniversaries or significant Australian events, these differing coin designs being labeled Australian commemorative coins. Typically, only the 20c, 50c and $1 coins have been minted in commemoration, however in 2012 a commemorative $2 coin was minted for Remembrance Day.

The Australian Crown was a coin used in the Commonwealth of Australia prior to decimalisation in 1966. The denomination was only minted in 1937 and 1938. It was of similar size and weight to the British Crown and was made of sterling silver for both its years of production. Like the British Crown, the Australian Crown was worth five shillings.

The Australian Shilling was a coin of the Commonwealth of Australia prior to decimalisation. The coin was minted from 1910 until 1963, excluding 1923, 1929, 1930, 1932, 1938, 1947, 1949 and 1951. After decimalisation on 14 February 1966, it was equal to 10¢. During World War II, between 1942-1944, shilling production was supplemented by coinage produced at the San Francisco branch of the United States Mint, which bear a small S below the ram's head.

The round fifty cent coin was the highest-denomination and largest diameter coin of the Australian dollar's decimal coins, introduced in 1966. Due to large amounts made in 1966 and the rising cost of silver, it was not made in any other year. It was replaced by a dodecagonal 50 cent coin in 1969, which retained its reverse of the Australian Coat of Arms. It was made of 80% silver and 20% copper, but as the value of a free-floating silver price became higher, the coins' bullion value became higher than their face value and so were withdrawn from circulation. A total of 36.45 million coins were minted with 14 million put into circulation.

The twelve-sided Australian fifty-cent piece is the third-largest denomination coin of the Australian dollar and the largest under a dollar in circulation. It is the only 12-sided coin of its size in the southern hemisphere. It was introduced in 1969 to replace the round fifty-cent coin issued in 1966. The original, round, 50-cent coin was made of 80% silver and 20% copper; but as the value of a free-floating silver price became higher, the coin's bullion value became more valuable than its face value; so that version was withdrawn from circulation and replaced with the dodecagonal cupro-nickel version. It is by diameter the largest Australian coin currently issued and second largest after the Crown of 1937–38. It is also the heaviest Australian coin in common circulation. Many commemorative designs have been issued, the large size allowing for detailed content.

Federation in 1901 gave the Commonwealth a constitutional power to issue coins and removed this power from the States. However, British coins continued in use until 1910, when Australian silver coins were introduced. These included florins, shillings, sixpences and threepences. Australian pennies and half-pennies were introduced into circulation the following year. In 1931 gold sovereigns stopped being minted in Australia. A crown or five-shilling coin was minted in 1937 and 1938.

The Australian Halfpenny was a coin used in the Commonwealth of Australia prior to decimalisation. The coin was first minted in 1911 and minting ceased in 1964, excluding 1937, 1956 - 1958 inclusive. When the Australian currency was decimalised on 14 February 1966 the coin was equal to 5⁄12¢.

Australian coins refers to the coins which are or were in use as Australian currency. During the early days of the colonies that formed Australia, foreign currency was used, but in 1910, a decade after federation, Australian coins were introduced. Australia used pounds, shillings and pence until 1966, when it adopted the decimal system with the Australian dollar divided into 100 cents. With the exception of the first Proclamation Coinage and the holey dollars, all Australian coins remain legal tender despite being withdrawn from circulation.

The twenty-cent coin of the Australian decimal currency system was issued with conversion to decimal currency on 14 February 1966, replacing the florin, or two shillings (the Australian pound automatically became worth two Australian dollars.)

The Australian 2 dollar coin is the highest-denomination coin of the Australian dollar. It was first issued on 20 June 1988, having been in planning since the mid-1970s. It replaced the Australian two-dollar note due to having a longer circulatory life.

Coins of the Australian dollar were introduced on 14 February 1966, although they did not at that time include a one-dollar coin. The dollar was equivalent in value to 10 shillings in the former currency (half of a pound).

The Australian ten-cent coin is a coin of the Australian dollar. It was the fourth-lowest denomination coin when the dollar was introduced on 14 February 1966. Since the demonetisation of one and two cent coins in 1992, it is now the second-lowest denomination coin in circulation. When the dollar was introduced as half of a pound, it inherited the specifications of the pre-decimal shilling as both were worth one twentieth of an Australian pound.

The Australian two-cent coin was introduced in 1966 and was the coin of the second-lowest denomination until it was withdrawn from circulation in 1992 (along with the one-cent piece). It is still counted as legal tender, but is subject to some restrictions.

The Australian one-cent coin was the lowest-denomination coin of the Australian dollar, introduced in 14 February 1966 on the decimalisation of Australian currency until it was withdrawn from circulation in 1992 (along with the two-cent coin), but then reminted in 2006 and 2010.

The Australian Threepence is a small silver coin used in the Commonwealth of Australia prior to decimalisation. It was minted from 1910 until 1964, excluding 1913, 1929 - 1933 inclusive, 1937, 1945 and 1946. After decimalisation on 14 February 1966, the coin was equivalent to 2½¢, but was rapidly withdrawn from circulation. During World War II, between 1942 - 1944, threepence production was supplemented by coinage produced by the United States Mint with coins produced at the San Francisco and Denver mints. Coins minted at the San Francisco mint 1942-1944 contain a small S on the reverse, while coins produced at the Denver mint 1942-1943 have a small D on the reverse. From 1910 to 1945 Australian sixpences were of sterling silver (0.925 fine) with 7.5% copper; from 1946 to 1963 they were reduced to 0.500 fine silver which is made from 50% silver, 40% copper, 5% nickel and 5% zinc.

The Australian Penny was a coin of the Australian pound used in the Commonwealth of Australia prior to decimalisation in 1966. It was worth one twelfth of an Australian shilling and 1/240 of an Australian pound. The coin was equivalent in its dimensions, composition and value to the British penny, as the two currencies were fixed at par. The coin was first introduced in 1911, and stopped being minted in 1964, with the introduction of decimalisation. When decimalisation happened on 14 February 1966, the coin value was equal to 0.8333¢. The obverse of the coin featured the reigning Australian monarch. Three were featured: George V, George VI and Elizabeth II. All of the pennies featuring George VI and Elizabeth II had a kangaroo on the reverse. The same image was on the Australian half-penny and has since been included on the dollar coin and the bullion silver kangaroo.

Numismatics is the science, study or collection of coins, medals, and similar objects. It is believed to be the oldest hobby known. People have been collecting coins for over two thousand years - as long as coins have existed. For some, coin collecting is a hobby and for others it is a driving passion. But for all of them, coin collecting is a challenging and satisfying pastime. Anyone can get involved easily and inexpensively.

The Australian one dollar coin is the second-most valuable denomination coin of the Australian dollar after the two dollar coin. It was first issued on 14 May 1984 to replace the one dollar note which was then in circulation, although plans to introduce a dollar coin had existed since the 1970s.

The fifty cent coin was first introduced with decimal currency on 14 February 1966. The original design featured the Commonwealth Coat of Arms struck on a coin made from 80% silver. However as the silver price rose above the face value of the coin the Mint suspended striking of the coin in March 1968.

Although it was rumoured that the Mint had lost money striking the fifty cent, all the metal used in the manufacture of the 36.5 million coins produced was purchased before the price rises.

Apart from the uneconomic cost of continuing the issue of the silver fifty cent coins, increasing confusion arose regarding the similarity in sizes between the circular fifty cent and the twenty cent coin. The decision to reissue a fifty cent coin considered not only a change to materials but also different shapes to help solve the confusion with the twenty cents.

A new shape and alloy was reintroduced into circulation in September 1969.

The Australian five-cent coin was the third-smallest denomination coin of the decimal Australian dollar introduced in 1966. Since the demonetisation of the one and two cent coins in 1992 it has been the lowest-denomination coin in the country. The coin was introduced into circulation on 14 February 1966.

The Mint eShop stocks the latest Royal Australian Mint coin and numismatic releases, ready to be shipped straight to your door. The Royal Australian Mint prides itself on producing high quality coins commemorating significant national anniversaries, or celebrating what makes Australia unique. While they display a denomination, these coins are not intended to be put into circulation, and are worth a lot more than their face value.

The two cent coin was first introduced with decimal currency on 14 February 1966. The original reverse design of the frill-necked lizard has not been changed since the introduction.

Two cent coins were produced by the Royal Australian Mint, the Royal Mint Melbourne branch, the Royal Mint Perth branch, the Perth Mint and the Royal Mint, Llantrisant. The two cent coin was the last circulating coin for Australia struck outside the Royal Australian Mint.

The twenty cent coin was first introduced with decimal currency on 14 February 1966. The original reverse design of a platypus remained unchanged until 1995. This denomination has since been used infrequently for commemorative designs.

All twenty cent coins in the first issue in 1966 were produced at the Royal Mint, London. The Royal Australian Mint did not commence twenty cent coin production until the next financial year. Quantities of twenty cents have also been struck by the Royal Mint, Llantrisant and the Royal Canadian Mint.

Australian pennies dated 1942 were minted in Perth and Bombay. Besides using distinctly different obverse and reverse dies, the Perth issues were identified by a small dot after the Y in PENNY whereas the Bombay issues had larger dots before and after PENNY which were probably part of the design rather than mint marks as such. Slight variations in the position of the Perth mint mark indicate the use of multiple working dies.

The Australian Florin was a coin used in the Commonwealth of Australia before decimalisation in 1966. The denomination was first minted in 1910, to the same size and weight as the United Kingdom Florin. Florins minted from 1910 through 1945 were produced with a .925 Sterling Silver content, weighing 11.31 grams (0.3636 Troy ounces) with an actual silver weight (ASW) of 10.46 grams (0.3363 ozt). Florins minted from 1946 through 1963 were produced with a .500 silver content (50% Silver), weighing 11.31 grams with an ASW of 5.65 g (0.1818 ozt).

Even if you’re not a coin collector the Australian 1930 penny is the one you’ll know about. It’s the most famous Australian pre-decimal coin and as such is the most talked about, the most sought and the most faked coin. Find a 1930 penny and your heart will skip a beat, but the likelihood that it’s real is very small. Given the value of a real 1930 penny is upwards of $15,000 in any condition it’s one that you’re going to want to authenticate if you find a 1930 penny in Grandpas top drawer.

The 1930 penny is probably the most famous of all the Australian Commonwealth coins. Its existence was not known for some time after the coin was released into circulation.

Melbourne began experimenting with a new coinage for the penny and halfpenny in 1919. The new coins would be of nickel and would be square with rounded corners so the there would be no confusion with the silver coinage.

A bronze coin (30.8 mm diameter with plain edge) featuring a bare head of George VI facing left; around, GEORGIVS VI D:G: BR: OMN: REX F.D. IND: IMP: ; below head in small lettering the artist's initials HP. The reverse features a kangaroo leaping to the left; around above AUSTRALIA, around below, PENNY; the Federation star is in the field to the left of the kangaroo and the date, 1938 is in the field below its tail. The artist's initials KG are above the tip of the tail.

The ten cent coin was first introduced with decimal currency on 14 February 1966. The original reverse design of the lyrebird has not been changed since the introduction.

All of the first issue of ten cent coins in 1966 were produced at the Royal Mint, London. Since the first production from London, ten cent coins have been produced by the Royal Australian Mint and the Royal Mint, Llantrisant.

The Australian sixpence was a coin used in the Commonwealth of Australia prior to the decimalisation of the Australian currency in 1966. The pre-decimal sixpence was minted from 1910 until 1963, excluding the years 1913, 1915, 1929–33 inclusive, 1937, 1947 and 1949. The sixpence was the only pre-decimal Australian coin which never had the design on its reverse altered. That is especially surprising given that the coat of arms depicted was obsolete for almost all of that time, having been superseded by the current one in 1912. During World War II, between 1942 and 1944, sixpence production was supplemented by coinage produced by two branches of the United States Mint. Coins struck at the San Francisco mint (1942–1944) carry a small S below the coat of arms, while those from the Denver mint (1942–1943) have a small D in the same place.

From 1910 to 1945 Australian sixpences were of sterling silver (0.925 fine) with 7.5% copper; from 1946 to 1963 they were reduced to 0.500 fine silver which is made from 50% silver, 40% copper, 5% nickel and 5% zinc.

The five cent coin was first introduced with decimal currency on 14 February 1966. The original reverse design of the echidna has not been changed since the introduction.

All of the first issue of five cent coins in 1966 were produced at the Royal Mint, London. Since the first production from London, five cent coins have been produced by the Royal Australian Mint, the Royal Mint, Llantrisant and the Royal Canadian Mint.

The one dollar coin was first introduced on 14 May 1984. Planning for a one dollar coin commenced as early as the mid-1970s. It was recognised that Australia needed a higher value coin which could be practically used in coin operated machines and to replace the one dollar note which had a short service life through high use.

Mr Stuart Devlin was commissioned to design the reverse of the new coin. The five kangaroos design was chosen from submissions received from the designer.

Earlier this year, Belinda Downie of Coinworks sold a 1930 penny for an amount she will only say was above the $1.5 million mark. Whatever it was, it was a record. The current market valuation is $1.65 million.

The one cent coin was first introduced with decimal currency on 14 February 1966. The original reverse design of a feather tailed glider has not been changed since the introduction.

One cent coins were produced by the Royal Australian Mint, the Royal Mint Melbourne branch, the Royal Mint Perth branch, and the Royal Mint, Llantrisant. Production of 1966-dated one cent coins commenced at the Royal Mint Melbourne branch in 1964.

The penny switched over to the Kruger Gray, or Kangaroo reverse in 1937 though no business strikes were issued until 1938.

The 1930 penny is without doubt the one rare coin that most Australians know about - it started off as being the last coin to go into the Dansco press-in albums that were hugely popular in those days (in fact they're so rare hardly anyone ended up with a complete penny set), and it now rates as an heirloom and an investment.

A rare Australian pre-decimal coin has cracked the $1 million mark for the first time. The owner of the 1930 penny, once described as the most famous copper coin of the 20th century, has knocked back an offer to sell for $1 million.

The two dollar coin was first introduced on 20 June 1988. Planning for a two dollar coin commenced around the same time as that for the one dollar coin. Like the one dollar, the two dollar coin replaced the note of the same denomination which had a short service life through high use.

The Perth Mint made 16,995,000 two cent coins for issue in 1968. Now, some of these early decimals are becoming increasingly sought-after.

The Australian two cents was introduced in 1966 (and withdrawn from circulation in 1992). The coin’s reverse portrayed a Frill-necked Lizard by Stuart Devlin, whose initials appeared under its belly. Except that on an unknown number of these coins, the famous designer’s initials are missing!

In 1930 the country was in an economic depression and the Melbourne Mint received no orders from the Commonwealth Government for new coins. Orders for silver coins were always treated differently at the mint to those for bronze; silver could only be struck after an order was received. Bronze however could be stockpiled.

Minting is the process of transferring a design from a die onto a blank piece of metal.

Although the Commonwealth of Australia was formed in 1901, it was to be 1909 before any steps were made for a national coinage. In 1902 and again in 1911 British Imperial coins were authorised for use in Australia.

As Australians prepare for Anzac Day 2014, the Royal Australian Mint today unveiled a significant new triangular $5 collectible coin; the first from the Anzac Centenary Coin Program. The coin commemorates the Centenary of the First World War, as well as pays tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for Australia in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.