The First Australia 50c Coin
With the introduction of decimal currency in 1966 in Australia, the round fifty cent coin was the highest-denomination and largest diameter coin. Large amounts were made in 1966 and, due to the rising cost of silver, it was not made in any other year. It was replaced by a dodecagonal 50 cent coin in 1969, which retained its reverse of the Australian Coat of Arms.
The coin was made of 80% silver and 20% copper, but as the value of a free-floating silver piece grew higher, the coins' bullion value became higher than their face value and so were withdrawn from circulation. A total of 36.45 million coins were minted with 14 million put into circulation.
Currently, you can purchase this coin in uncirculated quality from the Perth mint for $AUD29.95.
My Coin
Ever since I was a little tacker, my Nan would always let me go through her collection of old Pennies and Florins and she had a nice little stash of the round 1966 50c coins as well. One day I found out that my Nan had cancer and it was terminal. She asked me to go and visit and when I was there she gave me one of her round 50c coins. A few weeks later she passed away and no matter how much silver or gold or other metal products I stack, this will always be the most treasured coin in my collection.
The price of your metal is not always tied to how much someone will pay for it..... Some pieces also have great sentimental value which, for me, is priceless.
Thanks for reading.
