Cashless Australia: Hobby Sets Disappearing Along with Lost Coins?

Is Australia's move towards a cashless society impacting the hobby of coin collecting and treasure hunting? A look at the disappearing coins.

Australia's march towards a cashless society is changing more than just how we pay for things. It's impacting a beloved pastime: coin collecting and treasure hunting. Once, the thrill of finding lost coins was a common joy, but those days seem to be fading fast. Is the hobby set disappearing?

The Disappearing Coins

Remember the excitement of scouring footy grounds or beaches for dropped change? Prospector Angus James recalls a time when a post-festival search could yield a cool $200. Now? Lucky to find $5. The reason is simple: fewer people are carrying cash. This shift is making it harder to stumble upon those stray $1 and $2 coins that once fueled the hobby.

More Than Just Money

Finding old coins isn't just about the monetary value. Many of the unearthed coins are worth very little, but they offer a glimpse into Australia's past. As Angus James notes, these old coins tell a story. Each coin has a date, a silent reminder of what life was like back then. Newer coins simply don't carry that same historical weight.

A Glimmer of Hope: Pre-Decimal Currency

While finding recent lost coins is becoming a challenge, there's a silver lining for history buffs. The Royal Australian Mint has a little-known rule: pre-decimal Australian currency can still be exchanged for its face value at most banks! So, that old sixpence you find might be worth more than just its historical significance.

My Two Cents

As a huge fan of history, I believe that the shift towards a cashless society is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it brings convenience and efficiency. On the other, it diminishes our tangible connection to the past. Perhaps it's time to create new ways to preserve our history. Maybe virtual coin collecting?

So, while the days of finding a fortune in lost coins might be behind us, the thrill of the hunt and the allure of history remain. Keep your eyes peeled, treasure hunters! You never know what stories you might unearth.