Insider reveals the true value of Woolworths' rare $2 'Vegemite' coin
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If you're a fan of collecting unique coins or if you're feeling a wave of fondness for Australia's most iconic breakfast spread, then we've got some fantastic news for you! Woolworths has just launched a limited edition of three $2 coins celebrating 100 years of our beloved Vegemite.
These Vegemite-inspired coins, designed by Royal Australian Mint coin designer Aaron Baggio, are legal tender and released jointly through Woolworths and the Mint. But there's a burning question on every coin collector's mind: Are these coins worth collecting?
Joel Kandiah, a money enthusiast and Perth-based numismatist, who is renowned on social media for his insights on currency and coin collections, has weighed in on whether these exclusive $2 coins hold any value at all.
According to him, your enjoyment of the hobby should be the primary motivation behind collecting these coins rather than their potential appreciation in value.
'As always, the coin collecting community gets really excited about a new $2 coin release and this is no different,' he tells 7Life.
'With regards to rarity, any coloured $2 coins that have been released through Woolworths haven't really seen great appreciation in value, as the demand is always leaned towards Royal Australian Mint direct releases rather than those released through commercial partners.'
Nonetheless, Kandiah urges collectors to embrace their enthusiasm by saying, 'Ignore the value aspect of it and collect it for the sake of the enjoyment of the hobby. It's nice to try and collect one of every single coin available. With these three releases, there are (now) 92 different circulating $2 coins to collect since release in 1988.'
Starting now, customers who shop in-store at Woolworths and pay with cash can collect one of these exclusive $2 coins in their change over a three-week period. With only three million Vegemite-themed coins spread across Australia, the three coin designs feature the well-known Vegemite brand colours – yellow, red, and black – and catchy taglines. The coins depict classic Vegemite scenes, such as a jar with the words '100 Mitey Years’, a slice of Vegemite toast saying 'Tastes like Australia’, and a happy child eating toast captioned, 'Happy Little Vegemites’.
Woolworths' Brand and Marketing Director, Jane Saleh, shared her excitement by stating, 'We're delighted to be a part of the celebrations for this iconic brand's centenary. We've proudly ranged Vegemite for decades and it's been a staple in the shopping baskets of Australians for years.'
Furthermore, these 2023 Centenary of Vegemite $2 Coins will also feature the distinctive Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Obverse, a rarity according to Kandiah, who mentioned that there were 'no plans' initially to release it into circulation. The stunning portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by renowned British engraver Jody Clark showcases the years of her reign – 'Elizabeth II 1952-2022.'
Recent years have seen a variety of limited-edition coins released in Australia. In 2019, Australia Post issued a special dollar coin to celebrate the International Year of the Periodic Table of the Elements. A five-coin set was released in 2019 to mark the 250th anniversary of Captain Cook’s Voyage of Discovery. In 2018, The Mint released a limited edition 50-cent piece to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing.
It is not just historical events that have seen coins commemorated in recent years; Australia’s favourite TV shows, sporting teams and iconic characters have all been marked through coin releases. In 2019, a 50-cent coin was issued by The Mint to celebrate 30 years of The Simpsons in Australia, while the Mint has also released coins in commemoration of Game of Thrones and the AFL in recent years.
These special coins have been released for a variety of reasons—to mark significant anniversaries, to create awareness of important scientific achievements, and to honour cherished cultural icons. While these coins may not be as valuable as Royal Australian Mint direct releases, their value lies in their commemorative quality, and they are certain to be appreciated by coin collectors everywhere.
Whether or not you're an avid coin collector, getting your hands on one of these delightful pieces of Australiana could be a mite-y good conversation starter. Members, are you also a collector? Do you have any thoughts or comments about the story? We're listening!
Keep a lookout for these special edition coins in your change during your next in-store purchase at Woolworths, and remember, sometimes the joy of the find is more valuable than the coin itself.
These Vegemite-inspired coins, designed by Royal Australian Mint coin designer Aaron Baggio, are legal tender and released jointly through Woolworths and the Mint. But there's a burning question on every coin collector's mind: Are these coins worth collecting?
Joel Kandiah, a money enthusiast and Perth-based numismatist, who is renowned on social media for his insights on currency and coin collections, has weighed in on whether these exclusive $2 coins hold any value at all.
According to him, your enjoyment of the hobby should be the primary motivation behind collecting these coins rather than their potential appreciation in value.
'As always, the coin collecting community gets really excited about a new $2 coin release and this is no different,' he tells 7Life.
'With regards to rarity, any coloured $2 coins that have been released through Woolworths haven't really seen great appreciation in value, as the demand is always leaned towards Royal Australian Mint direct releases rather than those released through commercial partners.'
Nonetheless, Kandiah urges collectors to embrace their enthusiasm by saying, 'Ignore the value aspect of it and collect it for the sake of the enjoyment of the hobby. It's nice to try and collect one of every single coin available. With these three releases, there are (now) 92 different circulating $2 coins to collect since release in 1988.'
Starting now, customers who shop in-store at Woolworths and pay with cash can collect one of these exclusive $2 coins in their change over a three-week period. With only three million Vegemite-themed coins spread across Australia, the three coin designs feature the well-known Vegemite brand colours – yellow, red, and black – and catchy taglines. The coins depict classic Vegemite scenes, such as a jar with the words '100 Mitey Years’, a slice of Vegemite toast saying 'Tastes like Australia’, and a happy child eating toast captioned, 'Happy Little Vegemites’.
Woolworths' Brand and Marketing Director, Jane Saleh, shared her excitement by stating, 'We're delighted to be a part of the celebrations for this iconic brand's centenary. We've proudly ranged Vegemite for decades and it's been a staple in the shopping baskets of Australians for years.'
Furthermore, these 2023 Centenary of Vegemite $2 Coins will also feature the distinctive Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Obverse, a rarity according to Kandiah, who mentioned that there were 'no plans' initially to release it into circulation. The stunning portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by renowned British engraver Jody Clark showcases the years of her reign – 'Elizabeth II 1952-2022.'
Rare Coin Releases in Australia
When it comes to what drives value in rare coins, Royal Australian Mint direct releases are usually the most highly sought-after.Recent years have seen a variety of limited-edition coins released in Australia. In 2019, Australia Post issued a special dollar coin to celebrate the International Year of the Periodic Table of the Elements. A five-coin set was released in 2019 to mark the 250th anniversary of Captain Cook’s Voyage of Discovery. In 2018, The Mint released a limited edition 50-cent piece to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing.
It is not just historical events that have seen coins commemorated in recent years; Australia’s favourite TV shows, sporting teams and iconic characters have all been marked through coin releases. In 2019, a 50-cent coin was issued by The Mint to celebrate 30 years of The Simpsons in Australia, while the Mint has also released coins in commemoration of Game of Thrones and the AFL in recent years.
These special coins have been released for a variety of reasons—to mark significant anniversaries, to create awareness of important scientific achievements, and to honour cherished cultural icons. While these coins may not be as valuable as Royal Australian Mint direct releases, their value lies in their commemorative quality, and they are certain to be appreciated by coin collectors everywhere.
Keep a lookout for these special edition coins in your change during your next in-store purchase at Woolworths, and remember, sometimes the joy of the find is more valuable than the coin itself.
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