Australians are being urged to inspect their wallets and coin collections, as certain rare $2 coins could be worth up to $650. The Royal Australian Mint has produced colored coins over the years, and some of them are now valued at hundreds of times their face value.
Rare Finds: The 2013 Queen’s Coronation Coin
Coin collectors are particularly interested in the 2013 Queen’s Coronation $2 coin, which was minted to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. Victorian coin collector Michael McCauley highlighted that the C Mintmark variant of this coin is especially rare, with only 34,967 of these marked coins made exclusively for collectors. Compared to the one million standard versions circulated, the C Mintmark editions are much harder to find and significantly more valuable.
The 2012 Red Poppy Coin – Another Valuable Treasure
Another highly sought-after Australian coin is the 2012 Red Poppy $2 coin, which was issued to honor Remembrance Day. According to Matthew Thompson, director of Thompsons Coins & Collectibles, this coin is one of the most valuable colored $2 coins in circulation. While originally issued at $10, its value has since skyrocketed, with standard versions now selling for $200 to $300. This makes it one of the rarest and most prized coins in Australian numismatics.
A Global Trend: The Value of Rare Coins in the U.S.
The rising interest in rare coins isn’t just limited to Australia. In the United States, recent changes in coin production could further drive up the value of certain rare coins. Former U.S. President Donald Trump halted the production of pennies due to their cost exceeding their face value. This decision has intensified interest in rare U.S. pennies, with some selling for millions of dollars.
Among the most valuable U.S. pennies are:
- 1943-D Lincoln Wheat Cent (Bronze/Copper) – Valued at $2.4 million
- 1944-S Lincoln Wheat Cent (Steel Cent) – Valued at $1.2 million
- 1943-S Lincoln Wheat Cent (Bronze/Copper) – Valued at $621,691
- 1958 Lincoln Wheat Cent (Doubled-Die Obverse) – Valued at $235,450
Why Coin Collectors Should Stay Vigilant
With the growing market for rare and collectible coins, experts recommend checking your spare change, drawers, and old collections for valuable finds. Even small differences, such as mint markings and color variations, can significantly impact a coin’s value.
Whether you’re in Australia or the United States, staying informed about rare coins could turn an ordinary $2 or one-cent piece into a significant financial windfall.
