Aussie COVID commemorative coin worth a mint as value skyrockets

In the pockets and piggy banks of Australians, there might just be more than a few cents' worth of savings.

Some of those coins clinking around could be worth a small fortune, and it's not just the rare collector's items that are fetching a high price.

A recent surge in the value of certain Australian coins has left many wondering if they're sitting on an unexpected goldmine.


One such coin is the $2 piece minted in 2022, which pays homage to the tireless efforts of Australian frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This special coin, stamped with the words 'Australian Frontline Workers', has seen its value skyrocket to an impressive $135, according to reports.

That's over 50 times its face value, making it a hot commodity for collectors and a symbol of the nation's gratitude towards healthcare professionals.


2022_2-aus_frontline-workers_coloured_uncirculated_coin_rev.jpg
A $2 coin honouring Australian Frontline Workers from 2022 is now reportedly worth 50 times more than its face value. Credits: Royal Australian Mint


However, the frontline workers' tribute coin isn't the only one to keep an eye out for.

The 2013 $2 coin commemorating the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation has also seen a significant increase in value.

Depending on its condition, this coin can fetch anywhere from $40 to $110, with a pristine uncirculated version currently on sale at Wynyard Coins for a staggering $795.


The phenomenon of coins increasing in value isn't new; however, it's certainly gaining more public attention.

Collectors and non-collectors alike are now rummaging through their change, hoping to find one of these valuable pieces.

For instance, a 50-cent coin from 1988, which mistakenly featured the coat-of-arms instead of the intended First Fleet commemoration design, is now valued at a jaw-dropping $14,750.

Another treasure to look out for is the $1 coin from 2000, known among numismatists as the 'mule' coin.

Due to a minting error where it was struck with a 10c die, it features a distinctive double rim around the Queen's portrait.

This small mistake has inflated its worth to up to $3,000.

Similarly, a 1974 20-cent coin with a 'bitten rim' error is fetching around $150, and a $1 coin from 1984 with a slightly overflowing 'R' in 'DOLLAR' is now valued at $45.


Matthew Thompson, a coin expert from Town Hall Coins and Collectables in Sydney, advised that most people unintentionally pass on rare coins; therefore, rare coin hunters should seek something out of the ordinary.

‘Mules and mistakes are rarer and possible to find in your change. They have value because generally the mint doesn’t make mistakes,’ he explained.

‘But from time to time things can go awry. If you see mistakes on a coin, if you have something interesting, odd or out of place, then other people are likely to find it interesting, too.’

However, Thompson also cautioned enthusiasts to be very careful.

‘People put a random price on a coin on eBay. That’s the big issue. People trying to scam people,’ he warned.

‘If you want to start actually collecting, do research, get a book or catalogues. Go and see a coin specialist.’


As Australians reflect on the significance of commemorative coins, such as the one honouring COVID-19 frontline workers, an expert's earlier revelation about the value of Aussie coins takes on newfound relevance.

While one coin symbolises gratitude and sacrifice during unprecedented times, many others unveil a potential pathway to financial prosperity.

All underscore the importance of understanding the value and significance of currency, whether it be in honouring heroes or seizing opportunities for wealth accumulation.
Key Takeaways
  • A specially minted $2 coin honouring Australian Frontline Workers from 2022 is now reportedly worth $135.
  • A $1 coin with a doublerim minting mistake from 2000 can fetch up to $3,000 due to its rarity.
  • Collectible coins, including a 1988 50-cent piece with an incorrect coat-of-arms and a 1974 20-cent coin with a 'bitten rim' error, can be valuable finds.
  • Coin expert Matthew Thompson advises collectors to be wary of inflated prices on eBay and suggests consulting a coin specialist for accurate valuations.
Have you ever found a rare or valuable coin in your change? Share your stories with us in the comments below!
 
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I had a collection of silver coins stolen by a Kiwi bank clerk when my father decided to put my collection in a safe-deposit box. It included two mint Churchill Crowns and an 1842 silver fourpence.
 
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Have never seen one.
The Churchill Crown was a UK 5/- (60d old pennies) struck by the British Mint to commemorate Churchill's death in 1965. About 19 million were knocked out so they aren't that valuable, but it is the thief's thought that counts. That coin was the first Pomgolian coin not to have the Head of State on it since Oliver Cromwell. The pre-1947 coins, being of silver and not an alloy of copper-nickel-chromium, were probably more valuable, with a collection going back to Queen Vicky in 1842.
 

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