Don’t spend this 50 cent coin if you come across it, it could be worth up to 400 times its face value. An Aussie coin expert has revealed why it is “one of the most valuable 50 cent coins to exist”.
The 2012 hyper-metallic 50 cent coin features the kangaroo, emu, coat of arms, wreath, star and the number 50 in different colours. Along with its unique design, the coin has a very low mintage, making them a hot commodity for collectors.
The Royal Mint only made 58,554 of the coins and released them exclusively as part of the Mint set in 2012, which included six coins and retailed for $32.50. They were not available to buy separately at the time.
Perth numismatist Joel Kandiah, who goes by @thehistoryofmoney online, said the hyper-metallic coin was a “stunning reinvigoration” of the classic design first released in 1966.
“The coin is selectively coloured to highlight the different elements of Australia’s coat of arms to make this an absolutely striking piece of art,” Kandiah explained on TikTok.
“It is currently valued at $200 which is no surprise due to the absolute beauty of the coin.”
An eBay search reveals the rare 50 cent coins are currently selling for as much as $250 online.
Other rare 50 cent coins
It’s not the only rare 50 cent coin to keep your eye out for.
All 50 cent coins minted in 1988 were supposed to feature a First Fleet boat and the dates 1788-1988 to celebrate the bicentenary.
Instead, some coins were accidentally printed with the standard coat of arms. It is understood only two of the “excessively rare” coins are floating around but more could exist.
While they are worth much less, if you come across a round 50 cent coin they can also be worth $15 due to their silver value.
The circular coins were first introduced on February 14, 1966 and are made from 80 per cent silver and 20 per cent copper. However, as the price of silver rose above the face value of the coin, the Mint stopped striking them in March 1968.
The 2012 hyper-metallic coin is distinct from other coins as the kangaroo, emu, shield, wreath, star and the number 50 are in different colours. The Royal Australian Mint only made 58,554 coins and they were released as part of a set, bringing the value of the rare coin to more than $200.
An extremely rare 1988 coin could be worth nearly $15,000 due to an error by the Royal Australian Mint. The coins commemorate the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet. However, instead of replacing the standard coat of arms with this design, some coins feature both designs.
Mintages and Production Changes: The rarity of certain half dollars can be traced back to limited mintages and significant production changes over the years. For instance, early issues like the 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar had minimal mintage due to the challenges of coin production during that era.
During 1988, it was decided 50c coins would commemorate the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet, with the standard coat of arms being shelved. However, some coins slipped through the cracks, with the standard coat of arms printed on the coin as well as the 1988 date on its back.
All 50 cent coins minted in 1988 were supposed to feature a First Fleet boat and the dates 1788-1988 to celebrate the bicentenary. Instead, some coins were accidentally printed with the standard coat of arms. It is understood only two of the “excessively rare” coins are floating around but more could exist.
According to the NGC Price Guide, as of September 2024, a Kennedy Half Dollar from 1971 in circulated condition is worth between $0.60 and $0.75. However, on the open market 1971 D Half Dollars in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $3100.
Inspect the Mintmark. The date and mintmark are the easiest way to diagnose valuable rare coins. Errors in these two key areas can still be found in circulation, and they could score you a fortune. Re-punched or over-punched mint marks are one winning discovery, as is doubled text.
Anthony dollars contain silver, according to a blog on the U.S. Coins Guide website. Instead, all were made from copper-nickel clad compositions. Most you come across will only be worth face value — one dollar. However, if you come across certain error varieties, you could be looking at hundreds of dollars in value.
What Makes a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Rare? 1964 Kennedy half dollar coins became rare due to the circ*mstances that led to their creation—the president's death—and because they were the last 90% silver half dollars minted for circulation. A critical moment in American history was President John F.
The most valuable Kennedy Half Dollars include the 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) coin, which can be worth thousands of dollars, and the 1964-D Doubled Die Obverse variety. Other valuable examples are the 1970-D, 1998-S Matte Proof, and the 1964 Proof coins.
The 1965 Kennedy half is not a rare coin, but it is unusual because it is made of 40% silver. The mint stopped making silver coins in 1964 EXCEPT the Kennedy halves. The reason is to continue to honor him after the assassination. They remained 40% silver from###-##-#### The value for each one is about $5 each.
Only coins struck immediately following the deployment of freshly prepared obverse and reverse dies will exhibit Cameo on the obverse and reverse. Cameo 1968-S Kennedy half dollars are uncommon for this date, and Deep/Ultra Cameo examples are scarce. It's been more than 50 years since the 1968-S Proof Set was issued.
The 1988 and 1989 dated coins carried the designer's initials. Designed by Horst Hahne. The designer's initials were removed from the coins from 1990 onwards. No two dollar coins were produced in 1991.
A really interesting error on a 1977 50 cent. It looks like it was struck through an attached cold shut. The smooth surface of the struck through area indicates a cold shut while the fractured edge shows that the cold shut was probably attached.
As you can see from the image above, the surface layer of the coin has peeled over the roman numerals 'II' and is also separated at the effigy section of the Queen's hair. This lamination error has caused a crack to continue up through the crown.
Introduction: My name is Greg O'Connell, I am a delightful, colorful, talented, kind, lively, modern, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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