This unexpectedly rare coin could be worth hundreds!
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The humble 2-cent coin was once a common pocket change among Aussies.
But what most of us may not realise is that a tiny anomaly on a small number of these coins has transformed them into collectors’ treasures worth hundreds today.
But what error is it that’s making these coins more valuable now?
For those who still have 2-cent coins tucked away, there’s an important detail to look for that could turn these coins into sought-after collectibles.
The 2-cent coin, which ceased circulation in 1992, showcases a frilled-neck lizard design created by the famous Australian artist and metalworker Stuart Devlin.
Devlin’s signature, represented by the initials ‘SD’, can be found underneath the lizard’s belly on most of these coins.
However, for some unknown reason, a small number of these coins lack his initials.
The Perth Mint has labelled the error on these coins as ‘a mystery’, and it only appears on two specific mintages of the coins.
This error has significantly increased the value of these coins.
Some of these highly sought-after coins are currently available for purchase on eBay, with prices going as high as $499.99.
The Perth Mint produced approximately 16,995,000 of these iconic frill-neck lizard coins.
‘We now know that “SD” is missing from some 1967 and 1981 issues,’ it said of the mistake.
‘Despite our best efforts to find out precisely how it occurred, the story remains a mystery.’
Meanwhile, rare coin dealer Andrew Crellin told Perth Mint the coins have been increasing in value.
'Several coins that have been independently graded as being among the finest known examples have recently made prices [over] several thousand dollars on a leading online auction site,’ he explained.
Even 2-cent coins featuring the ‘SD’ initials are highly valued by collectors, and those in good condition are selling for approximately $165.
‘No wonder there’s renewed interest in the humble two cents as people in the know scramble to check their old decimal coins… just in case,’ Perth Mint added.
‘Have you looked at yours recently?’
Stuart Devlin
Stuart Devlin, a celebrated goldsmith and silversmith, passed away in 2018 at the age of 86.
He designed Australia’s first decimal coins in 1966, which included distinctive features such as the Australian coat of arms, a platypus, a lyrebird, an echidna, a frill-necked lizard, and a feathertail glider.
These coins, except the cent, are still in circulation. Then his creative contributions extended to a one-dollar coin featuring a spiral of kangaroos in 1984.
Stuart was also known for his work on medals for Australia's honours system in 1975 and coins for more than 30 other countries.
His remarkable creativity brought fresh life to silver craftsmanship.
He sought to infuse delight and intrigue into his designs, experimenting with various techniques to create unique textures and filigree forms, often using gilding to improve his creations.
His work was described as nothing short of magical by journalist Godfrey Winn.
Members, do any of you collect coins, or do you have any coins that are no longer in circulation? Please share photos of your collection in the comments below!
But what most of us may not realise is that a tiny anomaly on a small number of these coins has transformed them into collectors’ treasures worth hundreds today.
But what error is it that’s making these coins more valuable now?
For those who still have 2-cent coins tucked away, there’s an important detail to look for that could turn these coins into sought-after collectibles.
The 2-cent coin, which ceased circulation in 1992, showcases a frilled-neck lizard design created by the famous Australian artist and metalworker Stuart Devlin.
Devlin’s signature, represented by the initials ‘SD’, can be found underneath the lizard’s belly on most of these coins.
However, for some unknown reason, a small number of these coins lack his initials.
Here is an image of a 2-cent coin featuring the initials ‘SD’ beneath the frilled-neck lizard.
The Perth Mint has labelled the error on these coins as ‘a mystery’, and it only appears on two specific mintages of the coins.
This error has significantly increased the value of these coins.
Some of these highly sought-after coins are currently available for purchase on eBay, with prices going as high as $499.99.
The Perth Mint produced approximately 16,995,000 of these iconic frill-neck lizard coins.
‘We now know that “SD” is missing from some 1967 and 1981 issues,’ it said of the mistake.
‘Despite our best efforts to find out precisely how it occurred, the story remains a mystery.’
Meanwhile, rare coin dealer Andrew Crellin told Perth Mint the coins have been increasing in value.
'Several coins that have been independently graded as being among the finest known examples have recently made prices [over] several thousand dollars on a leading online auction site,’ he explained.
Even 2-cent coins featuring the ‘SD’ initials are highly valued by collectors, and those in good condition are selling for approximately $165.
‘No wonder there’s renewed interest in the humble two cents as people in the know scramble to check their old decimal coins… just in case,’ Perth Mint added.
‘Have you looked at yours recently?’
Stuart Delvin, the designer of our decimal currency, introduced it in 1966. Image source: Facebook/Royal Australian Mint/Portrait by Patrick Lichfield
Stuart Devlin
Stuart Devlin, a celebrated goldsmith and silversmith, passed away in 2018 at the age of 86.
He designed Australia’s first decimal coins in 1966, which included distinctive features such as the Australian coat of arms, a platypus, a lyrebird, an echidna, a frill-necked lizard, and a feathertail glider.
These coins, except the cent, are still in circulation. Then his creative contributions extended to a one-dollar coin featuring a spiral of kangaroos in 1984.
Stuart was also known for his work on medals for Australia's honours system in 1975 and coins for more than 30 other countries.
His remarkable creativity brought fresh life to silver craftsmanship.
He sought to infuse delight and intrigue into his designs, experimenting with various techniques to create unique textures and filigree forms, often using gilding to improve his creations.
His work was described as nothing short of magical by journalist Godfrey Winn.
The six Australian decimal coins were crafted by Stuart Devlin in 1966. Image source: Royal Australian Mint
