If you’re the sort of person who tosses your loose change into a jar at the end of the day, you might want to start taking a closer look before you cash it in.
The world of numismatics, or coin collecting, often reveals hidden treasures within everyday currency.
What might appear to be an ordinary piece can, in fact, hold significant value due to rare imperfections or unique characteristics.
There’s a little-known $1 coin circulating in Australia that could be worth up to 10 times its face value—all thanks to a quirky minting error that’s become a collector’s delight.
Meet the ‘Spew Roo’—the $1 coin with a story
Among coin collectors, the so-called ‘Spew Roo’ $1 coin is something of a legend. The name might sound a bit off-putting, but it’s all in good fun.
The coin gets its nickname from a small, accidental blob of metal that appears just under the mouth of the top kangaroo on the reverse side.
To the sharp-eyed, it looks as though the kangaroo is, well, having a bit of a spew onto the roo below!
Victorian coin enthusiast Michael McCauley recently stumbled upon one of these rare finds and shared that they typically fetch between $5 and $10 each, not a bad return for a coin you might otherwise spend on a coffee.
‘It’s got an extra blob of metal underneath the mouth of the top kangaroo. It’s an error and referred to as a ‘spew roo’ as though the kangaroo has had a spew,’ McCauley explained.
How does this happen?
The ‘spew’ isn’t intentional, of course. It’s the result of a minting mishap known as a ‘cud’—a technical term for a raised lump of metal that appears when a coin die (the tool that stamps the design onto the blank coin) cracks or breaks.
When this happens, metal seeps into the crack during the striking process, leaving behind a telltale blob.
The $1 coin, with its iconic mob of kangaroos, is particularly prone to these sorts of errors. The die can break in various places, leading to a range of quirky and collectible coins.
Other $1 coin errors to watch for
The ‘Spew Roo’ isn’t the only error coin out there. If you’re keen to try your luck, keep an eye out for these other oddities:
- Backpack Roo: Here, the top kangaroo appears to be carrying a ‘backpack’—another blob of metal across its back.
- Rabbit Ears: The top kangaroo sports what looks like a pair of floppy ears, thanks to a cud near its head.
- Missing Leg (2015 $1 coin): On some 2015 $1 coins, the third kangaroo from the top is missing a leg under its belly. These coins can sell for $2 to $10, depending on their condition.
What makes these coins valuable?
The value of an error coin depends on a few factors: the size and location of the error, the coin’s condition, and sometimes the year it was minted.
While most ‘Spew Roo’ coins sell for $5 to $10, particularly striking examples or those in pristine condition can fetch even more from eager collectors.
And the best part? These errors aren’t limited to a single year. ‘You can get them on pretty much any date, so it’s worth going slow if you want to try and find something like that,’ McCauley advises.
Why do collectors love error coins?
For many, the thrill of coin collecting is in the hunt. Error coins like the ‘Spew Roo’ are a reminder that even in the world of high-tech minting, mistakes can—and do—happen.
These little quirks make each coin unique, and for collectors, that’s where the real value lies.
How to check your coins
If you’re curious, grab a magnifying glass and start sifting through your change. Focus on the $1 coins with the mob of kangaroos.
Look closely at the top kangaroo’s mouth, back, and ears, as well as the legs of the other roos. Any unusual blobs or missing features could mean you’ve struck gold (well, metaphorically speaking).
If you think you’ve found something special, you can check online coin forums, auction sites, or consult with a local coin dealer for advice on value and authenticity.
A fun hobby with real rewards
Collecting coins isn’t just for numismatists or history buffs. It’s a fun, accessible hobby that anyone can enjoy—and as these error coins prove, it can even be profitable. So next time you’re counting out change for your morning coffee, take a second look. You might just have a ‘Spew Roo’ in your pocket.
Have you ever found a rare or unusual coin in your change? Do you collect coins, or have a story about a lucky find? Share your experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
Also read: This $1 coin could be worth $100—have you checked your spare change lately?
It would help if there were photos of each coin mentioned, with the fault highlighted, so that we will know what to look for !!