If you’re like most Australians, you probably have a handful of $1 coins rattling around in your wallet, car console, or that mysterious kitchen drawer where loose change goes to hide.
But what if we told you that some of those humble gold coins could be worth 100 times their face value? That’s right—there are rare $1 coins in circulation right now that collectors are snapping up for as much as $100 each.
It might be worth taking a closer look before you spend your next dollar on a coffee or pop it in the pokies. Here’s what you need to know about these hidden treasures, how to spot them, and why they’re so valuable.
Since its introduction in 1984, the Australian $1 coin has become a staple of our currency. Over the years, the Royal Australian Mint has released various designs, some commemorating special events and others as standard issues.
But not all $1 coins are created equal. Thanks to minting errors, low production runs, and unique designs, some coins have become highly sought after by collectors.
Let’s dive into the three $1 coins experts say you should be on the lookout for.
2001 Centenary of Federation $1 Coin
Potential Value: $50–$100
The 2001 Centenary of Federation $1 coin is already a special piece, marking 100 years since Australia’s federation. But what excites collectors is a minting error known as the ‘rotation error.’
If you hold the coin with the Queen’s head facing up and then flip it over, the reverse side (the ‘Mob of Roos’ design) should also be upright.
However, the reverse is rotated on some coins, sometimes by 90, 180, or even other angles. This happens because the die (the tool that stamps the coin) shifted during production.
Doug Mcrostie, founder of Coinxchange, explained: ‘People frame it as a 1 o’clock rotation, or a 2 o’clock or 3 o’clock. So you can have it going all the way around. The most desirable ones are a direct 180 or a 90-degree.’
While 27.9 million of these coins were minted, only a small fraction have the rotation error—possibly just a few thousand. That’s why collectors are willing to pay up to $100 for a good example.
To check, hold the coin with the Queen’s head upright, then flip it vertically. If the kangaroos aren’t upright, you might have struck gold!
2021 Mob of Roos $1 Coin
Potential Value: $10–$25
Not all valuable coins are the result of errors. Sometimes, it’s simply a matter of how many were made. The 2021 Mob of Roos $1 coin is a perfect example.
In 2021, the Royal Australian Mint released just 106,000 coins—the lowest mintage for a $1 coin in circulation. For comparison, millions of $1 coins have been produced in most years.
This coin features the classic ‘Mob of Roos’ design, so it might not appear at first glance. But if you spot the 2021 date, hang onto it!
To check, look for the year’ 2021′ on the standard Mob of Roos $1 coin. If you find one, you could be holding a $25 coin.
2016 Changeover $1 Coin
Potential Value: $20–$50
In 2016, Australia marked 50 years since the switch to decimal currency with a special series of coins. The $1 Changeover coin is one of the highlights.
The obverse (heads side) features a commemorative design of the old Australian Florin, while the reverse keeps the familiar Mob of Roos. Only 560,000 of these coins were minted, making them a rare find.
To check, look for the 2016 date and the unique Florin design on the Queen’s side. If you spot one, it could be worth up to $50.
Why are these coins so valuable?
Coin collecting, or numismatics, is popular in Australia and worldwide. Collectors are always on the hunt for coins with:
- Minting errors like the rotation error
- Low mintage numbers, where fewer coins mean higher demand
- Commemorative designs, especially for significant anniversaries or events
- Excellent condition, where there is less wear and tear, the better
Even slight differences can make a significant impact on value. And with millions of coins in circulation, there’s always a chance you could stumble across a rare one in your change.
Have you ever found a rare coin in your change? Do you have a story about a lucky discovery or a family member who collects coins? Share your experiences in the comments below, and let us know if you’ve checked your $1 coins lately. Who knows—you might be sitting on a small fortune!
Also read: Check your pocket—this ‘very popular’ $2 coin could be worth up to $300
