What is coin collecting?

If you've ever thought about starting a new hobby, coin collecting might be the perfect one to consider. It’s an exciting and rewarding way to explore history, culture, and even a bit of treasure hunting – all while expanding your knowledge of Australia’s rich heritage. As an Australian coin collector, I can share with you the joys of starting your own collection and why it can be so much more than just collecting currency.

Why Collect Coins?

Coin collecting isn’t just about hoarding coins from your change jar. It’s about uncovering the history and stories behind the pieces you gather. Every coin tells a story, from the design to the minting process, and often even the era in which it was produced. Plus, it’s a fun way to connect with a global community of collectors.

For Australians, collecting coins is a unique opportunity to dive into the history of our nation through the symbols and milestones captured on our currency. From the iconic kangaroo and emu on the Australian 50c coin to the famous Aboriginal Elder designs on the $50 note, Australian coins offer an abundance of beauty, culture, and significance.

The Basics of Coin Collecting: Where to Start?

1. Research and Education Before you dive headfirst into collecting, it's important to learn about the different types of coins. Start with the basics, such as identifying Australian coins – like the 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, and $2. Each of these coins has its own design and significance, and some can even be worth more than their face value depending on factors like rarity and condition.

2. Condition is Key A key aspect of coin collecting is understanding the condition or "grade" of a coin. Collectors value coins in better condition, and the value of a coin can drastically increase if it’s in mint condition. Coins are often graded on a scale from "Good" to "Mint", with higher grades typically commanding higher prices.

3. Focus on Australian Themes One great thing about collecting Australian coins is the variety of designs that reflect the nation’s history, culture, and flora and fauna. Here are some themes to explore:

   • Flora and Fauna: Coins like the $1 Kangaroo or the 50c Emu coin are emblematic of Australia’s unique wildlife and natural beauty.
   • Historical Figures: Coins featuring prominent Australian figures like Queen Elizabeth II, Sir Donald Bradman, or Ned Kelly are also very collectible.

      

     Keep an eye out for commemorative coins too – these are minted for special events like anniversaries, sporting achievements, or national celebrations.

    

4. Start Small, Dream Big As a beginner, it’s a good idea to start small. You don’t need to break the bank to start building your collection. You can find affordable coins through change, or look for them at local coin shops or online marketplaces. Over time, you may want to focus on rare or limited-edition pieces that can significantly increase in value.

5. Storage and Preservation Coin preservation is just as important as the coins themselves. To keep your collection in top condition, invest in quality coin holders, albums, or protective cases. This helps prevent damage from handling and environmental factors like humidity or dust.

Australian Coins Worth Looking For

While some Australian coins can be quite rare and expensive, there are plenty of more common coins that are still highly collectible. These coins are often more affordable for beginners, and many can be found in change or at local coin shops. Here are a few worth looking for:

• The 1966 Round 50c Coin: This coin was part of Australia’s transition to decimal currency, and though it’s not as rare as some other coins, it is highly collectible. The round 50c coin features an iconic design with an image of an Australian coat of arms and is a popular piece for collectors, particularly in good condition. This coin was also the last to feature silver as the predominant metal in the minting of the coin.  
  

• The 2024  Paris Olympic Games Coins: A set of commemorative coins was issued to celebrate the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Coins from this series, including $2 coins featuring Olympic themes, are commonly found in circulation, and they are often kept by collectors due to their special connection to the Games.

• The 1988 Australian Bicentenary Coins: To mark 200 years since the arrival of the First Fleet, the Australian government issued a series of coins in 1988. These coins feature iconic images from Australia’s history, such as the First Fleet and the Australian coat of arms. They are still relatively easy to find and are highly valued by collectors interested in Australia’s past. The designs are featured on the 1988 $1 and 50c coins. 

• The 2019 50c Indigenous Languages Coin: As part of a series of coins recognizing Australia’s indigenous languages, this 50c coin is a beautiful tribute to the country’s cultural diversity. It’s limited mintage of 2 million, make it a great entry point for collectors interested in commemorative coins.

• The 2012 $2 Red Poppy Coin: To honour those who served in Australia’s wars, this coin was released as part of the Remembrance Day series. It features a design of the red poppy flower, a symbol of remembrance. The coin is very collectible, due to its low mintage of 500,000 coins. 

These coins represent just a few examples of affordable and collectible pieces in Australian currency. Many of these coins are available in great numbers, so they are accessible to beginners and still hold great value for collectors looking to expand their collections over time.

Join the Australian Coin Collecting Community

Coin collecting is not a solo pursuit. There are many communities and clubs where collectors share their experiences, swap coins, and provide tips. Joining a local coin collecting club or participating in online forums can help you connect with other enthusiasts, learn from their expertise, and stay up to date on the latest trends in the hobby.

The Royal Australian Mint is another great resource for collectors. They regularly release new coins and offer official coin guides and other educational materials to help you build your collection.

Final Thoughts

Coin collecting is more than just a hobby; it's an opportunity to explore Australia’s past, present, and future through the beauty of its currency. Whether you’re fascinated by historical figures, Australian wildlife, or the artistry of coin designs, there’s something in this hobby for everyone.

Starting your collection may seem daunting at first, but take your time, do your research, and have fun with it. Before long, you'll find yourself not just collecting coins, but collecting stories – each coin you hold offering a window into a different part of our rich and fascinating history.

Happy collecting!

Johno