Top 4 Rare Australian Coins: Are you interested in collecting Australian coins? You will be pleased to know that there are numerous Australian coins that are quite valuable and much sought after. There is an advantage to collecting these coins, namely that it is not necessary to dig around for the oldest coins. Many modern coins can be extremely valuable today.
The cost of coins typically depends on its condition, quality, and historical importance. In this paper, we will reveal to you some Australian coins which are very collectible and which you should pay attention to.
A Brief History of Australian Coins
British colonists who were settling their first colony in New South Wales in 1788 did not see the immediate need for coins or an organized currency. At that time people exchanged goods under the barter system, and alcohol, such as rum, was the main medium of trade.
As episodes of foreign contact passed in time, individuals from many countries including military personnel and merchants coming to the colony from many countries carried with them coin of different countries. These included coins, i.e., Spanish reales, British East India Company rupees, Portuguese Johanna, and Dutch ducats. However, there was no common agreement as to the worth of these coins and this was followed by Governor Gidley King issuing a ‘Currency Proclamation’ in 1800 which defined the value of coins as British pence, shillings and pounds.
Most Valuable Australian Coins

1930 Proof Penny
The 1930 Proof Penny is in Australian numismatic circles considered the ‘King of Coins’. That coin is especially rare, since it was a mistake minted in 1930, because of the economic recession. The mintage of this coin was extremely small, and this coin still can be sold for millions of dollars at auctions nowadays.
1988 Fifty Cent Coat of Arms Error Proof
The 1988 50-cent Coat of arms coin contained a significant error which resulted in the coat of arms being reversed on some coins. The error has been hard to correct, and only two cases are known up to date. These coins can be worth millions.
1927 Proof Canberra Florin
The 1927 Canberra Florin coin was the first production coin in Australia dedicated to a specific commemoratory purpose, namely the opening of Parliament House. A total of 400 copies of this coin were circulated, of which most were lost or destroyed. The handful of surviving exemplars are sold for extremely high prices in the auction house.
1918-P George V Gold Half Sovereign
The 1918 Gold Half Sovereign coin is very rare. It was produced in small quantities and released to market later, for reasons which make it highly desirable. It can also be worth millions of dollars.
Conclusion
Collecting Australian coins is a hobby combining pleasure and economic profit, unless one concentrates on collecting rare and very valuable coins. This article introduces both important historical coins together with coins that attract significant demand from collection enthusiasts. If you want to start collecting Australian coins you need to pay attention to the type of coins being collected.