Top 3 Ultra Rare Australian Coins That Could Be in Your Pocket – Check Yours Now!
Have you ever wondered if that loose change sitting in your car, wallet, or coin jar might be worth a small fortune? 💰 Believe it or not, some Australian coins currently in circulation could be hiding serious value — and collectors are willing to pay thousands, sometimes even hundreds of thousands, for the rarest examples. In this video, we’re diving into the Top 3 Ultra Rare Australian Coins that could literally turn your pocket change into big money. Don’t spend them before you know what you’ve got!
🪙 1. The 1966 “Wavy Baseline” 20 Cent Coin
Let’s start with one of Australia’s most talked-about coins — the 1966 Wavy Baseline 20 cent. When the Royal Australian Mint first switched to decimal currency, a small number of 20 cent pieces were struck in Canberra with a noticeable “wave” on the baseline of the number 2 in “20.”
Most coins from that year have a straight line, but if yours has a subtle curve or wave, congratulations — you’ve found a treasure.
Value range: depending on condition, collectors have paid anywhere from $250 to over $5,000 AUD for high-grade examples.
Tip: check under good light with a magnifying glass. The difference is small, but it’s the wave that makes all the difference!
🪙 2. The 2000 “Incuse Flag” or “Upset” $1 Coin
Next is the 2000 $1 mule coin, one of the most famous modern minting errors in Australian currency history. During production, the Mint accidentally paired the $1 coin’s reverse die (the kangaroo side) with the 10 cent obverse (Queen’s head).
The result? A coin that’s slightly thicker with a double-rim appearance on the Queen’s profile.
Only a limited batch escaped into circulation, and ever since collectors discovered the mistake, the value has skyrocketed.
Value range: around $300 to $4,000 AUD, depending on grade and demand.
Why it’s rare: it’s a minting error, not a commemorative issue, which means it was never meant to exist at all.
🪙 3. The 1988 and 1989 50 Cent “Commonwealth Games” & “Coat of Arms” Variants
Finally, let’s talk about the 1988 and 1989 50 cent coins, two designs that sometimes fetch surprising prices — especially those with die varieties or proof finishes.
The 1988 “Commonwealth Games” 50 cent, featuring the stick-figure family design (as seen in the thumbnail), is loved by collectors for its unique art style. If your coin is an uncirculated or proof version, it can be worth far more than face value.
Meanwhile, the 1989 Coat of Arms 50 cent can have slight die errors or doubling, and special low-mintage editions are sought after.
Potential value: up to $100–$300 AUD for pristine or rare examples, but particular die errors can sell for much more.
💡 Bonus Tip: Serial Numbers and Mint Marks Matter
When hunting through your change, always pay attention to mint marks, years, and condition. Coins struck in smaller quantities (known as low mintage coins) tend to rise in value as collectors complete sets.
If you find coins with visible die cracks, off-center strikes, or unusual textures, those could be minting errors — and error coins are among the hottest collectibles right now.
Store your finds in clear coin flips or capsules to prevent further wear, and if you suspect you’ve got something special, have it graded by the PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company). Proper grading can dramatically increase resale value.
🤑 Why Are These Coins Worth So Much?
Rarity drives value. A coin can become valuable for several reasons:
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Low mintage: fewer made means higher demand.
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Minting errors: coins with mistakes are often one-of-a-kind.
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Condition: the fewer scratches, the better.
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Historical or commemorative value: special events and anniversaries make coins more collectible.
Australian collectors love these stories because they remind us that treasures can be hidden in plain sight — in your change, wallet, or that forgotten jar on your dresser.
🔍 How to Start Coin Hunting
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Check your change daily — focus on 20c, 50c, $1, and $2 coins.
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Look for key years: 1966, 1988, 1989, 2000, and 2012.
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Compare with online references: use sites like the Royal Australian Mint, Australian Coin Forum, or Numista.
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Keep what looks different. Even a tiny variation can mean a valuable find.
🎥 About This Video
In this video, we’ll show you detailed close-ups of each of these ultra-rare coins, explain what features to look for, and show real-world examples that have sold for huge amounts. Whether you’re a casual collector or someone who just loves money facts, this is your sign to start checking your spare change.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with your friends — someone out there might literally have a small fortune hiding in their pockets!
