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Australian 50 cent coins are popular with collectors, with some being worth hundreds of dollars. The coins were first introduced with decimal currency on February 14, 1966, and have since been used for commemorative designs. The original design featured the Commonwealth Coat of Arms and was made from 80% silver. However, due to rising silver prices, the mint suspended production of these coins in 1968. In 1969, a 12-sided dodecagonal 50 cent coin was introduced, which remains in circulation today. The Royal Australian Mint has also issued special edition 50 cent coins, such as one in 2016 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of decimal currency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Weight | 15.55 grams |
| Diameter | 31.51 mm |
| Metal Composition | Cupro Nickel |
| Original Design | Commonwealth Coat of Arms, 80% silver |
| Design Variations | Captain Cook, kangaroo and emu, Queen Elizabeth II, Wattle blossom symbol of Australia, Coat of Arms granted by King George V, National NAIDOC Committee's design, etc. |
| Year of Introduction | 14 February 1966 |
| Anniversary Editions | 50th anniversary of decimal currency, 25th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's accession, 200th anniversary of Bass and Flinders' voyage, etc. |
| Special Editions | First Fleet edition, Bicentennial edition, etc. |
| Value | Up to hundreds of dollars for rare or commemorative editions |
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What You'll Learn
Silver fifty cent coins from 1966 are valuable
There were 36.5 million of these coins minted, but only 14 million were put into circulation. Many people melted the coins down for their silver as prices rose. It is unclear how many of the original 1966 coins are still in existence. The coins are now worth around $15 each due to their silver content, and coin collectors are keen to get their hands on them.
The 1966 Australian fifty cent coin is popular with collectors not only for its silver content but also because of its historical significance as one of the first coins introduced with decimal currency. The round shape of the coin was also changed in 1969 to a 12-sided dodecagon to distinguish it from the twenty cent coin, which was causing confusion.
The 1966 fifty cent coin is not the only silver coin that is valuable. Silver coins minted between 1965 and 1970 are also sought after by collectors. For example, the 1966 Kennedy Half Dollar from the United States is silver-clad and features a bald eagle with the President's Coat of Arms attached to its chest.
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12-sided dodecagonal coins introduced in 1969
In 1966, when decimal currency was introduced in Australia, the fifty cent coin was the showpiece of the new circulating coins. These coins were made of silver, were round in shape, and featured the Commonwealth Coat of Arms. However, as the price of silver rose, the Royal Australian Mint ceased production of these coins in 1968. A new 12-sided dodecagonal fifty cent coin was introduced in 1969, made of copper-nickel alloy. This new shape differentiated the fifty cent coins from the round twenty cent coins, which had caused confusion previously.
The 12-sided dodecagonal fifty cent coin has remained in circulation since its introduction in 1969. In the years since, these coins have borne five different effigies of Queen Elizabeth II and 31 different designs on their reverse, including the Commonwealth Coat of Arms sculpted by Stuart Devlin. The designs on the reverse of these coins feature a range of themes, including a design commemorating the marriage of His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, also designed by Stuart Devlin.
The Royal Australian Mint has produced over 1 billion of these circulating 50 cent coins since 1969. In 2019, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the introduction of these coins, the Mint released a limited edition collectible coin set, featuring a gold-plated 50 cent coin. The coins in this set are Australian legal tender and can be purchased from the Mint's website or Contact Centre.
The 12-sided dodecagonal fifty cent coins are popular with collectors, with some being worth hundreds of dollars. The coins are also sought after due to their different designs, with many families and collectors enjoying collecting the different versions.
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2010 gold-plated silver proof 50 cent coins
Australian 50 cent coins are very popular with collectors, with some coins worth hundreds of dollars. The Royal Australian Mint issues commemorative 50 cent coins with unique designs, which are sought-after by collectors.
The 2010 gold-plated silver proof 50 cent coin is one such example. This stunning coin was issued by the Royal Australian Mint to commemorate the 150th running of the Melbourne Cup. The coin is made of selectively gold-plated fine silver and is presented in a wooden case with a certificate of authenticity.
The 2010 gold-plated silver proof 50 cent coin is a rare decimal coin, with only 401 pieces minted, making it a valuable collector's item. The coin features a unique design that celebrates a significant milestone in Australia's iconic horse racing event, the Melbourne Cup.
The Melbourne Cup is one of Australia's most prestigious annual thoroughbred horse races, and the 150th running of this event was a momentous occasion. The Royal Australian Mint recognised the historical significance of this event by issuing these special commemorative coins, which have become highly sought-after by collectors.
The low mintage of these coins adds to their value and rarity, making them a desirable addition to any coin collection. The design of the coin, with its selective gold plating, also makes it aesthetically appealing, showcasing the Royal Australian Mint's attention to detail and craftsmanship.
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1970 50 cent piece featuring Captain Cook
The 1970 50 cent coin featuring Captain Cook was issued by the Royal Australian Mint as the first commemorative coin of the decimal era. It celebrated the bicentenary of Captain James Cook's navigation of Australia's east coast.
The coin was included in the UNC and Proof Year sets for 1970, with 556,888 coins issued as a red-cased specimen. These were issued for 60 cents from banks and the RAM. In 1989, the RAM issued a restrike of the coin in the "Masterpieces in Silver Set", this time featuring the Raphael Makleouf 3rd Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on its obverse.
The 1970 Captain Cook 50 cent coin is not particularly valuable due to its large mintage and the number of coins that were hoarded by the public. Specimen coins in their original red plastic cases can be found for $10, while regular uncirculated coins might be bought for around $5. Proof coins are worth more, at around $50.
Collectors of Australian 50 cent coins are often keen to get their hands on this particular coin, which is a superb example of Australia's first decimal commemorative coin. The introduction of decimal currency in 1966 sparked a keen demand for all types of decimal coins from collectors. The Captain Cook 50 cent coin was finally issued into circulation in 1970, with a relatively small number struck as "specimens" and sold to collectors in a custom red lucite case. These "specimen" coins have a much sharper strike and a more attractive satin finish than the coins that were struck for circulation.
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1966 round 50 cent coins
On 14 February 1966, Australia introduced its first 50 cent coin, which was also its first decimal coin. These 1966 round 50 cent coins were made from 80% silver and featured the Commonwealth Coat of Arms on one side.
Although these coins are not rare, they are harder to obtain due to a large quantity being hoarded or melted down. Many of the round 50 cent coins were melted down for their metal value when the silver price rose in 1979. The 12-sided dodecagonal fifty cent coin was introduced in 1969, and the 50 cent coin has remained this shape since then.
The 1966 50 cent coin is popular with collectors as it has a unique design. Many collectors enjoy collecting the different designs seen on Australia's 50 cent coins, from the 1970 50 cent piece that features Captain Cook, to the latest commemoratives struck by the Royal Australian Mint.
The 1966 round 50 cent coin is available for sale online.
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Frequently asked questions
Australian 50 cent coins are very popular with collectors and some can be worth hundreds of dollars.
The 50 cent coin was first introduced with decimal currency on 14 February 1966. The original design featured the Commonwealth Coat of Arms struck on a coin made from 80% silver.
The 50 cent coin is the largest and heaviest coin in use in Australia. It weighs 15.55 grams and measures 31.51mm across.
The different designs seen on Australia's 50 cent coins include the 1970 50 cent piece that features Captain Cook, the 1912 Commonwealth Coat of Arms granted by King George V, and the 2019 design recognising the International Year of Indigenous Languages.
There are online platforms that allow you to exchange Australian 50 cent coins for cash. You can add the coins to your online wallet to discover how much you will receive, and then post the coins to the platform.
