The most expensive Australian $2 coins are often rare error coins, like the 2012 Red Poppy with a 'C' mintmark (worth hundreds to over $1,000) or specific "Bullseye Error" coins, where the color is misapplied, potentially reaching thousands of dollars, with some even cited at around $4,000-$6,000 for rare variations, far surpassing the standard circulation coins which are only worth their face value unless uncirculated or part of a low-mintage series like the 2013 Purple Coronation coin.
Valuable Australian $2 coins are typically commemorative issues with low mintages, key dates, or minting errors, with popular ones including the 2012 Red Poppy, 2013 Purple Coronation, and the 2020 Firefighter "Bullseye Error", which can fetch hundreds to thousands of dollars, far exceeding their face value, especially in uncirculated condition or with special mintmarks like the 'C'.
The Australian 2020 Firefighter $2 coin with the rare "bullseye error," where the flame design is mistakenly printed over the Queen's face instead of between the firefighters, can be worth up to $6,000 in mint condition, with an uncirculated example selling for nearly that amount. While other error coins exist, this specific minting mistake makes the Firefighter coin a highly sought-after treasure for collectors.
In 2012, the Royal Australian Mint struck Australia's very first commemorative $2 circulation types – the 2012 Poppy $2 and 2012 Red Poppy $2. Crucially, the iconic 2012 Red Poppy $2 was Australia's first full-colour circulating $2 coin.
The rare $2 coin worth up to $1200 is the 2023 C Mintmark Silver $2 Coin commemorating the end of the Vietnam War, released by the Royal Australian Mint with a tiny mintage of only 5,000, making it incredibly valuable to collectors due to its low supply and high demand.
The purple $2 coin was the second coloured coin created by the Mint and commemorates the 60th anniversary of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. “Recent selling price range of $30 to $86 for these circulated coins,” McCauley explained in a TikTok video. “But if it's got a C Mintmark, $440 to $650.
Coins worth over $1 million are typically extremely rare historical U.S. gold and silver coins (like the 1933 Double Eagle or 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar) or modern ultra-rare novelties (like the 100kg Canadian Gold Maple Leaf) with few known examples, often due to minting errors, historical significance, or extreme scarcity, with sales reaching tens of millions.
2012 Red Poppy $2 Coin
One of the most sought-after $2 coins is the 2012 Red Poppy coin, released to commemorate Remembrance Day. This coin was the first coloured $2 coin ever released in Australia, featuring a red poppy in the centre of the coin, surrounded by the words “Lest We Forget.”
The 2015 $2 Flanders Coin can be worth up to $22 if you are lucky enough to find one. An Australian coin collector couldn't believe his luck when he found a rare coloured $2 coin.
This rare 1988 Australian $2 coin features the HH initials and a thick edge. Made of nickel and struck in proof-like quality, it is a valuable addition to any coin collection. The coin is from the 1900s era and has a decimal denomination.
The 2012 Red Poppy coin and the 2013 Purple Coronation coin were now fetching a combined price of up to $550, avid coin collector Joel Kandiah said.
The $2 Bullseye Error occurs when the paint on a coloured $2 coin is applied to the obverse side of the coin instead of the reverse side creating a “bullseye” effect. It essentially bullseye's the portrait of the Monarch. The rarity and aesthetic appeal of this error make it highly collectible.
But here's the truth: it's not rare at all. In fact, the Royal Australian Mint struck a staggering 160.9 million of these coins in 1988. That makes it one of the most common coins in circulation. The “HH” you see under the portrait of the Queen?
Overall, it's pretty straightforward. The deciding factors are historic significance, how many were issued (or 'minted'), interesting designs and the condition of the coin. Uniqueness is also important. For example, you might not find a coin with an 'error' – like a missing date – very interesting.
Hulme said the $2 Red Poppy coins usually sold for $300, but values could range from $250 to $350 depending on supply and demand. The Gold Poppy coins, in comparison, can go for between $40 and $60, but that's for ones that haven't been in circulation.
The 50-cent coin that can be worth around $15,000 is the rare 1988 Australian 50c error coin, mistakenly struck with the standard Coat of Arms instead of the commemorative First Fleet design, with only a couple known, though more might be found; it's a "mule" error from the Royal Australian Mint, making it extremely valuable to collectors.
The 2013 Purple Coronation 2 Dollar is really the coin that kicked off the surge in coloured 2 dollar coins. The first proper Australian coloured coin for circulation it was not initially hoarded and the low mintage of 2,000,000 coins means it's worth multiples of face value. CV for an UNC coin is $12.
Australian 1966 2 cent that has only partially engaged with the collar and has been driven down into the collar by the hammer die forming the characteristic high lip of the so called 'ramstrike' error. A lovely coin glossy brown with generous amounts of remaining mint red and grades as uncirculated.
The rare Australian coin that sells for around $60,000 (or more, depending on condition) is the 1930 Australian Penny, an accidentally minted coin from the Great Depression era with a very low mintage, making it a "numismatic superstar" sought by collectors for its rarity and historical significance. Its value comes from being the lowest mintage pre-decimal Australian coin, with only about 1,500 believed to exist in circulation, notes 9News.com.au and Network Ten.
Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland 2002
Featuring the Ulster Banner alongside a victorious figure, the coin holds a special place in the hearts of collectors and sporting enthusiasts. With a remarkably low mintage of 485,500, it is the rarest coin on our list.
Here are 10 rare coins, including five still in circulation, that are certain to increase in value in the next five years.
The 1959-D wheat penny is one of the most controversial mule coins ever. It's worth $50,000! Here's everything you could possibly want to know about the 1959-D penny error!
What quarter is worth $2000 right now? The 1932-D Washington quarter had a relatively low mintage of 436,800 pieces, making it one of the rarest in the series. The value of this quarter in higher grades (uncirculated conditions) can significantly exceed $2,000.
A 1943-S bronze Lincoln cent sold in August 2007 for $1 million to a collector. This sale was a private transaction rather than an auction. Another 1943 copper penny from the Philadelphia mint was sold by Legend Numismatics of Lincroft, New Jersey, for $1.7 million in September 2010.