Rare $1 coins fetch hundreds as collectors scramble to find them

If you’ve ever tossed your spare change into a jar or left a few coins rattling around in your car, you might want to take a closer look—because one humble $1 coin could be worth a small fortune!

That’s right, fellow coin collectors and curious Aussies: a rare $1 coin from 2019 is making waves in the numismatic world, and it could fetch you up to $300 (or even more) if you’re lucky enough to find one.


So, what’s so special about this particular $1 coin? It all comes down to a tiny detail—a minuscule envelope privy mark.

Back in 2019, the Royal Australian Mint and Australia Post teamed up to celebrate 25 years since Australia Post released its first Postal Numismatic Cover (PNC) in 1994.


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Certain 2019 $1 coins with an envelope privy mark are prized by collectors and can fetch up to $295—far above their face value. Credit: @coincollecting_detecting / TikTok


As part of the festivities, they launched the 'Great Australian Coin Hunt,' a set of $1 coins featuring every letter of the alphabet, each representing a uniquely Aussie icon.

For the letter 'A,' Australia Post took centre stage, with the coin’s reverse showing a postie on a bicycle and, in some cases, a tiny envelope next to the 'A.'

This little envelope is the key: only a small number of these coins were minted with the envelope privy mark, making them highly sought after by collectors.


Estimates suggest that between 7,500 and 14,500 of these special 'A for Australia Post' coins with the envelope privy mark were produced.

They were randomly inserted into some Coin Hunt sets and PNCs, making them a true treasure hunt for collectors.

Compare that to the more than half a million standard 'A' coins (without the envelope) that were released, and you can see why the privy mark version is so valuable.

Depending on the condition and where you sell it, this rare $1 coin can fetch anywhere from $249 to nearly $600!

Recent sales have seen prices around $275, with some sellers asking as much as $599.95 on eBay. Not bad for a coin you might find in your loose change!


On the other hand, the standard 'A for Australia Post' coins without the envelope privy mark are much more common and typically sell for just $2.50 to $8.

What Does the Coin Look Like?
  • Obverse (heads): Queen Elizabeth II
  • Reverse (tails): An Australia Post worker on a bicycle, with the letter 'A' and, if you’re lucky, a tiny envelope next to it
If you’re not sure what to look for, grab a magnifying glass and check for that little envelope—it’s the difference between a regular coin and a collector’s jackpot!

The 2019 Great Australian Coin Hunt was a hit with collectors and everyday Aussies alike. The set featured 26 $1 coins, each representing a letter of the alphabet and a slice of Aussie culture.

It’s a fun and nostalgic way to celebrate what makes Australia unique—and a great excuse to start (or continue) a coin collection!

Coin values are driven by rarity, demand, and condition. Coins with minting errors, special marks (like the envelope privy), or low mintage numbers are especially prized.

The thrill of the hunt and the chance to find a valuable coin in your pocket change is what keeps collectors coming back for more.


Credit: TikTok

Key Takeaways
  • Some 2019 $1 coins with an envelope privy mark are highly sought after by collectors and can sell for up to $295 or more—well above their face value.
  • These rare coins were part of the Great Australian Coin Hunt, with just 7,500 to 14,500 minted with the envelope privy mark and randomly distributed in collector sets.
  • The majority of 2019 ‘A for Australia Post’ $1 coins were released without the privy mark and are only worth around $2.50 to $8 each.
  • The Great Australian Coin Hunt featured $1 coins for every letter of the alphabet, each representing a uniquely Aussie person, place or thing—from boomerrang and lamington to Xantippe and Zooper Dooper.
Have you ever stumbled across a rare or valuable coin in your change? Are you a seasoned collector or just starting out? Share your stories, tips, and photos in the comments below.

Read more: Check your 50-cent coins now and find hidden fortune
 

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