Table of Contents
Rare Australian $1 Coins Worth Collecting
Recent insights from Australian numismatists have highlighted three $1 gold coins that are notable for their collectible value. While most coins are merely worth their face value, certain coins can fetch significantly higher prices based on their minting year, any manufacturing errors, and their unique designs.
1. 2001 Centenary of Federation Coin with Rotation Error
The 2001 Centenary of Federation coin is a prime example of a coin that can be valued between $50 and $100. This particular coin is distinguished by a "rotation error," which occurs when the coin’s orientation is not aligned correctly when flipped. If upon flipping, Queen Elizabeth II’s image is not upright, it suggests that you possess a rare find.
Doug Mcrostie, founder of Coinxchange, explained that this error stemmed from issues with the die used during production, resulting in several variations of rotations. These horizontal discrepancies can range from a simple 90-degree to a full 360-degree rotation. The most sought-after versions are those displayed at 180 or 90 degrees, with some collectors even amassing complete sets of all 12 different orientations.
The Royal Mint produced 27.9 million of these coins, and while it’s uncertain how many bear the rotation error, Mcrostie estimates there could be thousands in circulation.
2. 2021 Mob of Roos Coin
Another collectible coin to keep an eye on is the 2021 Mob of Roos coin, which can be valued from $10 to $25. Despite being a standard issue, its rarity comes from a low mintage of just 106,000 pieces, making it the lowest minted $1 coin currently in circulation. This scarcity makes it a highly sought-after item among coin collectors.
3. 2016 Changeover Coin
The 2016 Changeover Coin commemorates the 50th anniversary of Australia’s decimal currency conversion that took place in 1966. This coin can command values between $20 and $50. Visually, it is distinguished by a commemorative reverse featuring the design of the Australian Florin, previously minted from 1910 to 1963, alongside the standard Mob of Roos.
A total of 560,000 of these coins were minted as part of six commemorative coins launched to celebrate the transition to decimal currency.
In Summary
Coin collecting can be a rewarding hobby, not only for historical appreciation but also for potential financial gain. The highlighted coins—the 2001 Centenary of Federation with a rotation error, the 2021 Mob of Roos, and the 2016 Changeover Coin—are valuable finds for any collector or casual enthusiast. Keep an eye out for these rare coins in your change, as they present opportunities beyond their face values.
