Leslie Massey
The Australian two-cent coin was introduced in 1966 and was in circulation until 1992. It is still considered legal tender, but only up to the sum of 20 cents. The coin was made from a bronze alloy composed of 97% copper, 2.5% zinc, and 0.5% tin or nickel. The reverse side of the coin features a frill-necked lizard designed by Stuart Devlin, with some rare versions missing his initials SD. These coins are now sought after by collectors, with some selling for over $1000.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Composition | 97% Copper, 2.5% Zinc, 0.5% Tin |
| Colour | Bright shiny orange when new, dull dark brown when old |
| Denomination | Second-lowest |
| Designer | Stuart Devlin |
| Introduced | 14 February 1966 |
| Withdrawn | 1992 |
| Obverse | Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Arnold Machin |
| Reverse | Image of a frill-necked lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingii) designed by Stuart Devlin |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The 2c coin is made from a bronze alloy
The 2c coin was introduced in 1966, along with other decimal coins, and was withdrawn from circulation in 1992. During its time in circulation, it was the coin of the second-lowest denomination. It is still considered legal tender, but only up to the sum of 20 cents.
The 2c coin has an interesting design history. The reverse side of the coin features the image of a frill-necked lizard, a reptile native to northern Australia and southern New Guinea. This design was created by Stuart Devlin, who was also responsible for the design of the reverses of all Australian decimal coins introduced in 1966. Devlin's contributions to the coin's design are particularly notable, as the presence or absence of his initials beneath the lizard's belly can significantly impact the coin's value for collectors.
The 2c coin was produced by several mints, including the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra, the Melbourne Mint, the Perth Mint, and, in 1981, the British Royal Mint in Llantrisant, Wales. The production of these coins was a significant undertaking, with hundreds of millions of coins minted across these locations.
Free Food Apps: Where to Find Them in Australia
You may want to see also
Explore related products
This alloy consists of 97% copper, 2.5% zinc, and 0.5% nickel
The Australian two-cent coin was introduced in 1966 and was withdrawn from circulation in 1992. It is still considered legal tender, although it is subject to some restrictions. The two-cent coin was made from a bronze alloy consisting of 97% copper, 2.5% zinc, and 0.5% nickel.
This alloy is a unique combination of metals that gives the coin a distinct appearance and properties. Copper is a reddish-brown metal that is known for its conductivity and ductility. It is often used in alloys to improve the strength and corrosion resistance of the final product. In this alloy, copper makes up the majority of the composition, contributing to the coin's characteristic colour and shine.
Zinc, on the other hand, is a bluish-white metal that is known for its corrosion resistance and strength. It is commonly used in alloys to improve the durability and toughness of the metal. In this case, zinc makes up a small portion of the alloy, but its presence enhances the overall strength and resistance to wear and tear of the two-cent coin.
Nickel is a silvery-white metal that is known for its hardness, ductility, and corrosion resistance. It is often added to alloys to improve the hardness and durability of the metal. In the two-cent coin alloy, nickel is present in a small amount, contributing to the coin's overall toughness and resistance to corrosion.
The combination of these three metals in the specified proportions results in an alloy that is ideal for coinage. It strikes a balance between durability, corrosion resistance, and conductivity, ensuring that the coins can withstand everyday use while maintaining their integrity and appearance over time.
Australian Politics: Left or Right?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The coins were designed by Stuart Devlin
The Australian two-cent coin was introduced in 1966 and was in circulation until 1992. It is made of a bronze alloy, which is composed of 97% copper, 2.5% zinc, and 0.5% nickel. The two-cent coin was the second-lowest denomination coin until it was withdrawn from circulation.
Devlin's design of the frill-necked lizard on the two-cent coin has become iconic. The Perth Mint, which produced these coins, acknowledged that an unknown number of the coins do not bear the designer's initials. This anomaly has sparked intrigue among collectors, who are eager to find these rare variants. The two-cent coin's artistic design and its significance in Australian numismatic history have contributed to its collectability.
Red Fox Diet: Australian Edition
You may want to see also
Explore related products
They were withdrawn from circulation in 1992
The Australian two-cent coin was withdrawn from circulation in 1992, along with the one-cent piece. This was announced by the Treasurer in his Budget Speech on 21 August 1990, with the decision based on the loss of real purchasing power through inflation and the high cost of minting these coins. The coins had been introduced in 1966, along with other decimal coins, and were made from a bronze alloy of 97% copper, 2.5% zinc, and 0.5% nickel or tin.
The two-cent coin was the second-lowest denomination coin in Australia, with a purchasing power in 1966 equal to about 30 cents in 2022 values. Over time, the coins became heavily circulated and lost their initial bright, shiny orange colour, turning a dull dark brown. Despite being withdrawn from circulation, the two-cent coin is still considered legal tender up to the sum of 20 cents.
The reverse side of the coin features the image of a frill-necked lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingii), a reptile native to northern Australia and southern New Guinea. The design was created by Stuart Devlin, who designed the reverses of all Australian decimal coins introduced in 1966. Interestingly, some of these coins were minted without Devlin's initials ("SD") beneath the lizard's belly, making them rare and valuable to collectors.
The withdrawal of the two-cent coin from circulation marked the end of an era for Australian currency, as it was the last circulating coin to be struck outside the Royal Australian Mint.
Australian Government's Efforts to Save Coral Reefs
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The coins are now worth much more than 2c
Australian 2c coins are now worth much more than their face value. The coins, which were introduced in 1966, were withdrawn from circulation in 1992 and are now considered collectors' items. Made from a bronze alloy of 97% copper, 2.5% zinc, and 0.5% nickel or tin, these coins have gained value over time.
The 2c coin holds a unique place in Australian history as the last circulating coin struck outside the Royal Australian Mint. Designed by Stuart Devlin, the reverse side of the coin features a frill-necked lizard, a reptile native to northern Australia and southern New Guinea. Devlin's design is usually accompanied by his initials, "SD", beneath the lizard's belly. However, in two mintages throughout history, these initials were missing, making these particular coins rare and highly valuable.
Coins without Devlin's initials have been sold for hundreds of dollars, with one specimen listed on eBay for $499.99. The coins with the designer's initials are also valuable, with some selling for $395 or more. The Perth Mint, which produced 16,995,000 of these coins, acknowledged the absence of Devlin's initials on an unknown number of the 1967 and 1981 issues, adding to the intrigue and potential worth of these coins.
The purchasing power of the 2c coin has also increased since its introduction. In 1966, a 2c coin had a purchasing power equivalent to about 30c in 2022 values. While it is no longer commonly used as legal tender, the coin is still considered legal up to the sum of 20 cents. This adds to the overall value and appeal of the Australian 2c coin for collectors and enthusiasts.
Kangaroo Apple: Australia's Unique Fruit and its Habitat
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Australian 2c coins were made from a bronze alloy, which is 97% copper, 2.5% zinc, and 0.5% nickel.
The reverse side of the Australian 2c coin features the image of a frill-necked lizard, designed by Stuart Devlin. The lizard is native to northern Australia and southern New Guinea.
No, Australian 2c coins were withdrawn from circulation in 1992, but they are still counted as legal tender up to the sum of 20 cents.
