My Most Precious Coin - An Australian 1966 50c Piece
The First Australia 50c Coin
With the introduction of decimal currency in 1966 in Australia, the round fifty cent coin was the highest-denomination and largest diameter coin. Large amounts were made in 1966 and, due to the rising cost of silver, it was not made in any other year. It was replaced by a dodecagonal 50 cent coin in 1969, which retained its reverse of the Australian Coat of Arms.
The coin was made of 80% silver and 20% copper, but as the value of a free-floating silver piece grew higher, the coins' bullion value became higher than their face value and so were withdrawn from circulation. A total of 36.45 million coins were minted with 14 million put into circulation.
Currently, you can purchase this coin in uncirculated quality from the Perth mint for $AUD29.95.
My Coin
Ever since I was a little tacker, my Nan would always let me go through her collection of old Pennies and Florins and she had a nice little stash of the round 1966 50c coins as well. One day I found out that my Nan had cancer and it was terminal. She asked me to go and visit and when I was there she gave me one of her round 50c coins. A few weeks later she passed away and no matter how much silver or gold or other metal products I stack, this will always be the most treasured coin in my collection.
The price of your metal is not always tied to how much someone will pay for it..... Some pieces also have great sentimental value which, for me, is priceless.
Thanks for reading.
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Very cool. I'm not deep into numismatics, but I do like to buy some occasionally. I have a 1927 Australian florin, and also a couple of silver Mexican pesos from around 1920. It's fascinating to hold these things in your hands and imagine that just 50 years ago, people used money that had some value other than what central banks and government treasuries tell us.
Nicely written, I have one of these coins and I have always found them amazing.
Absolutely true. I have a few of these from my dad. You inspired me to make a post with couple of Silver Florins from my boyhood collection.
This is very valuable coin you share & thanks a lot to share this type of coin with us.
I'll give you $12 for it.
Is this a typo? I think there are a few 00's missing!
You found any mule coins? I seen someone with a 1950 $1 mule, craziest coin I've seen.
Some things are worth more than money- that’s why we hang onto them dearly! Thanks for sharing!
💙.
Thanks for sharing your story mate.
Beautiful coin and story.
Thanks for sharing.
I love collecting old coins. Really a hobby❤