This Aussie gold coin with quirky misprint could be worth a fortune!
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The iconic Australian 'Mob of Roos' $1 coin has been hopping into our pockets since it was first minted in 1984. But a rare misprinted batch from 2005 could be worth over $2,000 to collectors today due to a minting mishap.
In 2005, the Royal Australian Mint released 5.8 million 'Mob of Roos' coins into circulation and was designed by esteemed goldsmith Stuart Devlin AO, who was also credited with having designed coins for more than 30 other countries. These off-centre coins have the 'AUST' missing from one side, while the ears of three bounding kangaroos are cut off on the flip side. How did this happen?
When coins are minted, metal discs called planchets are fed into presses. Designs for each side are stamped onto the planchet using engraved metal collar dies. But for this batch, the blank planchet was accidentally fed 2-3 cm off-centre.
As a result, the misaligned collar die caused partial loss of design details like the 'AUST' lettering and poor roos' ears. Even the Queen's portrait received an unusual curved chip.
While most coins with defects are melted down, some of these escape into general circulation, creating an exciting novelty for collectors. The off-centre design gives the coin a quirky character that collectors look for.
Rare minting mistakes can send a coin's value soaring. Some of them can be valued between $300-$3000 online depending on its condition! So it's worth checking your old $1 coins for faults.
Since its creation, the 'Mob of Roos' $1 coin has become a quintessential piece of everyday Australian life, hopping in and out of daily transactions across the country. Every time you pass one over the counter, you're not just handing over currency – but a slice of Aussie heritage, art, and national identity.
If you come across any coins with a unique misprint, you could have a small goldmine hiding in your change jar or down the back of the sofa. And remember, the more unusual the error, the more value it can command. What do you think about this story? Let us know in the comments if you uncover a botched beauty worth boasting about! It could be your lucky day.
In 2005, the Royal Australian Mint released 5.8 million 'Mob of Roos' coins into circulation and was designed by esteemed goldsmith Stuart Devlin AO, who was also credited with having designed coins for more than 30 other countries. These off-centre coins have the 'AUST' missing from one side, while the ears of three bounding kangaroos are cut off on the flip side. How did this happen?
When coins are minted, metal discs called planchets are fed into presses. Designs for each side are stamped onto the planchet using engraved metal collar dies. But for this batch, the blank planchet was accidentally fed 2-3 cm off-centre.
The misprinted ‘Mob of Roos’ $1 coin could sell as high as $2,000! Image Social media / @The Australian Coin Collecting Blog
As a result, the misaligned collar die caused partial loss of design details like the 'AUST' lettering and poor roos' ears. Even the Queen's portrait received an unusual curved chip.
While most coins with defects are melted down, some of these escape into general circulation, creating an exciting novelty for collectors. The off-centre design gives the coin a quirky character that collectors look for.
Rare minting mistakes can send a coin's value soaring. Some of them can be valued between $300-$3000 online depending on its condition! So it's worth checking your old $1 coins for faults.
Since its creation, the 'Mob of Roos' $1 coin has become a quintessential piece of everyday Australian life, hopping in and out of daily transactions across the country. Every time you pass one over the counter, you're not just handing over currency – but a slice of Aussie heritage, art, and national identity.
If you come across any coins with a unique misprint, you could have a small goldmine hiding in your change jar or down the back of the sofa. And remember, the more unusual the error, the more value it can command. What do you think about this story? Let us know in the comments if you uncover a botched beauty worth boasting about! It could be your lucky day.
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