Could your change be worth $500? These are the rare coloured coins you’ll want to look out for
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You might think your spare change is just that–spare.
But what if we told you some of those coins could be hiding a secret value far beyond their face value?
It all started with a release that took collectors by surprise, and now, these rare finds are stirring up a buzz in the numismatic world.
The 2012 Red Poppy coin, which marked the first coloured circulating coin released by the Royal Australian Mint, was a significant release.
It commemorated Remembrance Day and has since become one of the most sought-after coins on the market.
Matthew Thompson, director of Thompsons Coins and Collectable, shared that these coins could fetch between $200 to $300, a far cry from the original $10 price tag from the RSLs.
‘At the moment, the standard issue ones are going for something around $200 to $300, which is a lot more than the original $10 issue price from the RSLs,’ said Thompson.
The Red Poppy coin features a red poppy at its centre and was released in partnership with the RSL Red Poppy Appeal.
Only 500,000 were minted, making it a rare gem for collectors.
Another rare find is the 2013 Queen’s Coronation coin, the second coloured coin released by the Mint, which commemorated Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th anniversary of her coronation.
This purple-striped beauty showcased St Edward’s Crown and became one of the most valuable coins.
‘That one is around about that $50 to $100 mark,’ said Thompson.
‘But if you get it, it’s called the C Mintmark version, which is when the Mint put the little letter C on it for Canberra, that one is still selling for over $500.’
The Queen’s Coronation coin had a mintage of one million, making it one of the lowest-minted coloured circulating coins in Australian history—just like the Red Poppy coin.
But before you get too excited, not all coloured $2 coins are worth a fortune.
Thompson warned against falling for the hype surrounding some coins, advising caution when trying to cash in on quick-flip opportunities.
Recently, the Mint and Australia Post dropped special edition coloured coins for the Australian Open.
Some of the rarer Privy Mark versions have even sold online for up to $155 each.
‘I’m not sure how much longevity a theme like that has for collectors,’ Thompson said.
He added: ‘When you look at the $2 coin market, the ones that really go the distance are things like the Red Poppy Coin, which has that Anzac war theme, which resonates with a far broader audience.’
Regardless of their market value, Thompson believes coin collecting can still be a fun and rewarding hobby.
‘Any coin that’s out of the ordinary is worth holding on to if you’re interested in them and particularly if you then take the time to learn a bit about the subject matter,’ he said.
‘If you get a 1996 $1 with Henry Parkes on it, maybe Google the guy and learn a bit about the father of Federation…but not so much in terms of it will make you astronomically rich overnight.’
So, while not every colourful coin will make you a fortune, the thrill of the hunt can be its own reward.
Could you be holding onto a hidden treasure? Have you ever stumbled upon a rare coin in your pocket or purse?
Let us know in the comments.
But what if we told you some of those coins could be hiding a secret value far beyond their face value?
It all started with a release that took collectors by surprise, and now, these rare finds are stirring up a buzz in the numismatic world.
The 2012 Red Poppy coin, which marked the first coloured circulating coin released by the Royal Australian Mint, was a significant release.
It commemorated Remembrance Day and has since become one of the most sought-after coins on the market.
Matthew Thompson, director of Thompsons Coins and Collectable, shared that these coins could fetch between $200 to $300, a far cry from the original $10 price tag from the RSLs.
Red Poppy coin sees massive value increase. Image source: Tiktok/@nellienovacoins/@thehistoryofmoney
‘At the moment, the standard issue ones are going for something around $200 to $300, which is a lot more than the original $10 issue price from the RSLs,’ said Thompson.
The Red Poppy coin features a red poppy at its centre and was released in partnership with the RSL Red Poppy Appeal.
Only 500,000 were minted, making it a rare gem for collectors.
Another rare find is the 2013 Queen’s Coronation coin, the second coloured coin released by the Mint, which commemorated Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th anniversary of her coronation.
This purple-striped beauty showcased St Edward’s Crown and became one of the most valuable coins.
‘That one is around about that $50 to $100 mark,’ said Thompson.
‘But if you get it, it’s called the C Mintmark version, which is when the Mint put the little letter C on it for Canberra, that one is still selling for over $500.’
The Queen’s Coronation coin had a mintage of one million, making it one of the lowest-minted coloured circulating coins in Australian history—just like the Red Poppy coin.
But before you get too excited, not all coloured $2 coins are worth a fortune.
Thompson warned against falling for the hype surrounding some coins, advising caution when trying to cash in on quick-flip opportunities.
Recently, the Mint and Australia Post dropped special edition coloured coins for the Australian Open.
Some of the rarer Privy Mark versions have even sold online for up to $155 each.
‘I’m not sure how much longevity a theme like that has for collectors,’ Thompson said.
He added: ‘When you look at the $2 coin market, the ones that really go the distance are things like the Red Poppy Coin, which has that Anzac war theme, which resonates with a far broader audience.’
Regardless of their market value, Thompson believes coin collecting can still be a fun and rewarding hobby.
‘Any coin that’s out of the ordinary is worth holding on to if you’re interested in them and particularly if you then take the time to learn a bit about the subject matter,’ he said.
‘If you get a 1996 $1 with Henry Parkes on it, maybe Google the guy and learn a bit about the father of Federation…but not so much in terms of it will make you astronomically rich overnight.’
So, while not every colourful coin will make you a fortune, the thrill of the hunt can be its own reward.
Could you be holding onto a hidden treasure? Have you ever stumbled upon a rare coin in your pocket or purse?
Let us know in the comments.
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