Could this coin be your ticket to fortune? This expert says otherwise

In the fascinating world of coin collecting, a seemingly ordinary coin could be the ticket to a small fortune.

However, coin collectors with a keen eye could also spot a dupe when they see one.

Online listings showed a coin selling for a fortune, but before you start rummaging through your coin jar, there's a crucial reality check you need to read.


Several online sellers have been selling the 2020 Donation Dollar coins for high prices of up to $9,000.

The 2020 Donation Dollar coin encouraged Australians to give to charity.

With a striking green centre and a gold ripple effect, it symbolised the positive waves an act of charity can create.

The Royal Australian Mint minted one coin for every Australian to reflect its population.


compressed-dono dollar.jpeg
According to Mr Joel Kandiah, the 2020 Donation Dollar coins should have 25 million minted copies in circulation. Image Credit: Instagram/The History of Money


The coin, despite its unique design and noble intentions, is not the rare treasure some sellers claim it to be.

Joel Kandiah, the coin expert behind The History of Money, debunked the myth of its rarity.

'They're a relatively common coin with 12.5 million minted in 2020 and 12.9 million minted in 2021,' Mr Kandiah said.

The Donation Dollar coin's value remains at $1.

So why are some of these coins listed for thousands of dollars online?


Mr Kandiah suggested some possibilities.

Some sellers might not have done their research and could be disappointed with the coin's actual value, hence selling them for a different price.

Another more worrying theory is that these listings engage in deceptive practices like money laundering.

For those who are keen on numismatics or simply looking for a valuable find, Mr Kandiah advised to deal only with reputable sellers.

'If unsure, see an ANDA (Australasian Numismatic Dealers Association) authorised dealer, and they will point you in the right direction,' Mr Kandiah added.

The Assistant Minister for Treasury, Competition and Charities, Dr Andrew Leigh, praised the Donation Dollar for its role in fostering generosity and connection among Australians.

The 'helper's high' that comes from giving became a phenomenon, and these coins have inspired an additional $55 million in charity.


The Royal Australian Mint CEO, Leigh Gordon, shared the broader impact of the Donation Dollar.

'The Donation Dollar is an example of where an innovation can inspire additional behaviours and the importance that cash can inject into the community,' Gordon said.

While that $1 coin might not make you richer, it holds a different kind of value.

Watch Mr Kandiah's explainer video here:

Source: @thehistoryof_money/Instagram

It's a reminder that even the smallest contributions could make a big difference.

As you go about your day, keep an eye out for the Donation Dollar and consider passing it on to someone in need.

It's a simple act that embodies the spirit of giving—something priceless and better compared to what people see online.
Key Takeaways

  • The 2020 Donation Dollar coins have been sold online for high prices despite being a common coin.
  • The 2020 Donation Dollar coins had 12.5 million copies minted in 2020 and 12.9 million in 2021.
  • Coin expert Joel Kandiah advised collectors to be cautious when purchasing coins online and to consult ANDA-authorised dealers.
  • The Donation Dollar was intended for charitable giving and has generated an additional $55 million in charity donations.
Have you come across a Donation Dollar in your pockets? Did you donate it, or have you kept it as a little treasure at home? Share your stories in the comments below!
 

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I’m over these scam coin stories it’s not rare I spent one the other day the value of coIns at the high end must be in mint condition and uncirculated otherwise they aren’t worth much at all.
 
I've never seen one of them. Just for fun, I've quite a number of odd & unusual back pattern of the $1 & $2 coins. Maybe in years to come, if I'm still around, they'll be still worth their face value at least.
 
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We have a large coin collection, hubby has his in a coin folder and a wooden box.

I have mine in an old lolly paint tin.

Hubby cleared his wardrobe yesterday as was showing me his coins and the collection of 50c pieces are ridiculous, he must have every 50c piece.

I then pulled out my collection , or hubby did as it was too heavy for me to lift.

I saw that I had these three of those $1 coins but the coins I have which I know are worth a bit is the red poppy $2 coin and a $1 coin which is the centenary of the Scouts.

I also have paper money $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and a $100 notes

I held onto them but I do give to people in need as well as if I see an elderly person struggling with a coin in a trolley or they are looking for a coin and I'm returning my trolley I just give them my trolley. A dollar isn't much but the gratitude from most people is so worth it. It's amazing how such a small gesture brings happiness to a person
 
Well done Suzanne rose for your act of kindness....many Australians are finding it hard to get by these days and by showing some empathy and helping out when you see someone struggling can bring so much joy to that person it makes you understand just how dire the situation for some really is. We have always been a country where you help someone out when the going gets tough and many people can be helped out with even the smallest act of kindness from others.
 
It's really stupid that a coin that's not enough to buy an Ice Cream is worth $9.000. The world has gone f****** crazy.
 

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