In the pockets and piggy banks of Australians, there may lie a small treasure worth more than a casual glance.
Among the clinking of regular coins, a rare coin could be hiding, one that’s worth a surprising 80 times its face value.
So, before you hand over that peculiar coin for a newspaper or a scratchie, you might want to take a closer look—it could buy you more than just a pub meal and a drink.
The coin in question is a 1979 50-cent piece, distinguished by a ‘double bar’ error, a minting mishap that has turned this everyday item into a collector’s gem.
Michael McCauley, a seasoned coin collector, has highlighted the importance of this particular coin, advising Australians to ‘keep your eyes out’ for the two little lines of metal behind the emu’s head on the coin’s reverse side.
This ‘double bar’ error is not just a quirk; it’s a historical footnote in Australia’s numismatic story. In 1969, the 50-cent coin, a staple of Australian currency since the mid-1960s, transformed from its original circular shape to the dodecagonal design we know today.
A decade later, in 1979, the Royal Australian Mint produced 24.9 million of these coins, but coin enthusiasts are buzzing about the ones with the double bar error.
The story goes that the double bars were part of the original design but were removed because they caused a weakness in the die used to strike the coins. However, some of these ‘double bar’ coins slipped through the cracks in 1979 and even a few years after, making them a rare find today.
Sterling Currency has reported that the Double Bar die was ‘unintentionally deployed’ during those years when no other dies were available, making these coins a minting accident that has turned into a collector’s delight.
According to Mccauley’s insights, a 1979 Double Bar 50-cent piece could fetch anywhere from $3 to $40, depending on its condition. However, the market can be unpredictable, and prices can soar when collectors are involved.
For instance, one auction site recently listed a Double Bar 50-cent coin with a grading of MS66 for a whopping $106.25.
This price point is more than double what Coins And Australia suggests for an error coin in that condition, which is around $48.20.
It’s clear that the value of these coins can vary significantly, and for those lucky enough to possess one in mint condition, the payoff could be substantial.
So, what does this mean for you, our savvy readers? It’s time to rummage through your change jars, check under the couch cushions, and inspect your coin collections.
You might just find that you’re holding onto a small piece of Australia’s currency history that could be worth a tidy sum.
And if you do find one of these rare coins, remember that condition is key. A well-preserved coin with minimal wear and tear is more likely to attract higher offers from collectors and dealers. Whether you decide to sell it or keep it as a keepsake is up to you, but either way, it’s a fascinating discovery.
We’d love to hear from you if you’ve come across a Double Bar 50-cent coin or any other rare currency finds. Share your stories in the comments below, and let’s celebrate the thrill of the hunt for hidden treasures in our everyday lives. Who knows, your next big find could be just a coin flip away!
Also read: You won’t believe how much this unusual $2 coin is worth
