In the fascinating world of numismatics, where collectors eagerly seek out the rarest and quirkiest of coins, an extraordinary find can sometimes turn a few dollars into thousands.
This is precisely the case with a rare $2 coin that’s causing quite a stir among Australian collectors and could be lurking in the pockets or drawers of unsuspecting Aussies.
The coin in question is no ordinary $2 piece. It’s a special ‘bullseye’ error coin, and it’s expected to command a price of up to $5,000 at an upcoming auction.
The ‘bullseye’ error is a distinctive feature where the coin’s paint is mistakenly applied to the wrong side.
In this instance, the $2 coloured National Rugby League Premiership coin, which commemorates the iconic moment when Norm Provan and Arthur Summons embraced after the 1963 grand final, has the circle that should be on the tail’s side around Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait instead.
Scott Waterman, the director of Roxbury’s Auction House, which is handling the sale, said that such errors are ‘very scarce’. In fact, only a handful of these coins have been found with the bullseye error, making this particular coin a rare gem in the collector’s market.
The bullseye term has become popular among collectors, especially since the introduction of the colour $2 series in 2012. These coins are sought after not only for their rarity but also for their unique appearance, which some might find a tad ‘outrageous’, as it places a bullseye over the Queen’s image.
The estimated price guide for this coin is between $3,500 and $4,500, but expectations are high that it will surpass this range.
According to Waterman, the coin’s excellent condition and its popularity among collectors could drive the price close to $5,000—a staggering amount for a coin with a face value of just two dollars.
The Royal Mint and Anaconda released two versions of the $2 NRL Premiership coin last year: one celebrating the men’s premiership and another for the women’s.
Customers at Anaconda stores had the chance to receive these coins as change during cash transactions, possibly without realising the potential value.
This week’s auction will not only feature the $2 NRL Premiership bullseye coin but also more than 3,000 other rare Australian and international coins and banknotes, including the Holey Dollar and the 1930 Penny.
The entire collection is valued at an estimated $2.5 million.
Another bullseye coin, a 2019 $2 Mr Squiggle coin commemorating 60 years of the beloved children’s TV show, is also part of the sale.
While Mr Squiggle bullseye coins are more common, with around 50 known examples, they still fetch a handsome sum, with one already sold for $3,200.
It might be time to rummage through your wallets, check under couch cushions, and peek into old coin jars. Who knows? You might just find a small treasure in the form of a $2 coin that could be worth a small fortune.
If you’re a collector or simply curious about the value of your change, keep an eye out for these rare finds and consider attending local coin auctions or visiting numismatic experts to discover the hidden worth of your loose change.
Have you ever come across a rare or error coin? Share your stories with us in the comments below!
Also read: The hidden treasure in your coin jar: This $2 coin could fetch you $650!
