In a fortunate stroke of luck, an Australian coin collector recently stumbled upon a rare coloured $2 Flanders Field coin, which can be valued at up to $22 in today’s market. Michael McCauley, a collector based in Victoria, expressed his excitement about this specific coin, originally released by the Royal Australian Mint in 2015. This edition was created to honour the centenary of World War I and features references to John McCrae’s iconic poem, “In Flanders Fields.”
According to McCauley, the market price for this coin ranges from $4 to $22, depending on its condition and demand. The coin showcases lark designs encircled by orange rings, symbolising the glow of sunset—an artistic nod to McCrae’s poignant verses. The opposite side displays Queen Elizabeth’s effigy, acknowledging her role in the Commonwealth.
Only 2.15 million of these coins were minted, and they were distributed throughout Australia, making them relatively rare. McCauley remarked on his fortune in finding this coin and encourages fellow collectors to be alert for others.
Interestingly, the Flanders Field coin is one of the later additions to a series of notable coloured coins. The first of these, the $2 Red Poppy coin, debuted in 2012 as a symbol of Remembrance Day and has since garnered significant attention. This red flower coin typically fetches between $250 to $350, with demand perpetually high, as stated by Janelle Hulme, owner of Nova Coins.
The Red Poppy coin is further characterised by microtext that includes “Remembrance Day” and “Lest We Forget.” Even coins with wear or chipped paint can command higher prices than their original face value, with current sales ranging from $80 to $100.
Collectors have shown a keen interest not only in the Flanders Field and Red Poppy coins but also in other themed coins such as the 2013 Queen’s Coronation Coin, which can sell for $60 to $80, and the 2017 Rosemary Remembrance Day Coin, valued around $10.
The vibrant coin collecting culture in Australia continues to thrive, with enthusiasts constantly seeking to add rare finds to their collections. McCauley’s find serves as a reminder of the potential treasures hidden in everyday change, urging collectors across the nation to keep a vigilant eye for valuable coins.
As the coin market evolves, it is a captivating time for collectors, with many opportunities to uncover significant pieces that tell powerful stories about Australia’s history and heritage.
