Have you ever rummaged through your change and wondered if any of those shiny coins could be worth more than their face value? Well, it’s time to start checking your pockets and piggy banks with a keen eye, because there’s a particular $2 coin that could fetch you a small fortune!
The Royal Australian Mint has a history of releasing special edition coins that capture the imagination of collectors, and some of these coins are now worth considerably more than what you can buy with them at the store. Among these treasures is the 2013 Queen’s Coronation coin, a rare find that stands out with its distinctive purple hue.
This coin was minted to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, and only one million of these coins were released into circulation. What makes this coin especially valuable is not just its rarity, but also its unique colour, which was only the second time the Royal Australian Mint used colour on a circulating coin.
Victorian coin collector Michael McCauley has highlighted the value of these coins, noting that circulated versions can sell for anywhere between $30 to $86. However, if you’re lucky enough to find one with a ‘C’ Mintmark, indicating it was produced at the Canberra branch of the Mint, you could be looking at a value of $440 to $650! The ‘C’ Mintmark will be found on the right-hand side of the coin, and with only 34,967 of these collector’s items produced, they’re a rare catch indeed.
But why stop at just one coin? The 2012 Red Poppy Coin is another colourful collectible that’s worth keeping an eye out for. Released to honour Remembrance Day, this coin is not only a poignant tribute but also a valuable asset. According to Matthew Thompson, director of Thompsons Coins and Collectables, standard issue Red Poppy Coins can command prices of $200 to $300, a significant increase from their original $10 issue price from the RSLs.
The 2012 Red Poppy Coin and the 2013 Queen’s Coronation coin are the lowest-minted coloured circulating coins in Australia, which contributes to their high value among collectors. However, it’s important to note that not all coloured coins will exceed their face value, but these particular coins are certainly worth a second glance.
So, before you hand over that $2 coin for a cup of coffee or feed it into a vending machine, take a moment to inspect it. You might just be holding onto a small piece of history that’s worth a considerable amount.
For those who have already discovered these gems, like the lucky individuals in the comments of McCauley’s social media video, the thrill of the find is a reward in itself. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone who’s just stumbled upon a colourful coin, the excitement of uncovering hidden value in everyday currency is undeniable.
So spread the word, share this article with friends and family, and let’s help each other keep an eye out for these rare and valuable coins. Who knows, the next $650 could be jingling in your pocket right now, just waiting to be discovered!
Have you ever stumbled upon a rare coin or collectable that turned out to be worth much more than you thought? Or maybe you’ve already found one of these special edition $2 coins! Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going!
Also read: The journey of a stolen $525K coin: How the AFP tracked down a lost treasure
