The idea that an Australian 1-cent coin is worth “MILLIONS” is a form of sensationalism often found in headlines, but there are no circulating 1-cent coins valued at millions of dollars.
The most valuable Australian coin is the 1930 Proof Penny (a pre-decimal coin, equivalent to two cents), which has sold for over AU$1 million.
However, some Australian 1-cent coins are highly valuable to collectors, particularly those with a low mintage or minting errors:
Most Valuable Australian 1-Cent Coin
- 1968 1-Cent Coin: This coin has the lowest mintage of the entire 1-cent series. It is considered one of the most challenging dates to acquire, especially in uncirculated condition, because the Royal Australian Mint did not release a 1968 mint set. While its value does not reach millions, it is a key piece for collectors of rare Australian coins.
Australian Decimal Coins with Significant Value
If you are looking for valuable Australian coins that have fetched high prices, you would need to look at pre-decimal coins and other decimal denominations that are known for rare errors:
- 1930 Proof Penny (Pre-Decimal): This is the most famous and most valuable Australian coin, with a proof example selling for AU$1.15 million in 2011 and another in 2019. Regular circulated examples can be worth upwards of AU$20,000.
- 2000 $1 / 10c Mule Error: This is one of the most sought-after Australian decimal error coins. It was mistakenly struck with the obverse (heads) die of a 10-cent coin instead of the correct $1 die, resulting in a pronounced double rim around the Queen’s portrait. It can be worth thousands of dollars depending on the condition.
- 1966 Wavy Baseline 20-Cent: A rare error where the baseline of the ‘2’ in the date ‘1966’ has a distinctive wave.
- 1966 Round 50-Cent: The original 50-cent coin was made of 80% silver and quickly withdrawn from circulation.
The 1-cent coin, featuring the feathertail glider, was minted from 1966 to 1991 and was withdrawn from circulation in 1992. Only certain rare error or uncirculated proof versions would have significant value.
