This 50 Cent Coin Could Be Worth 400 Times Its Face Value—Here's Why

An Aussie coin expert has revealed why this particular 50 cent coin is "one of the most valuable 50 cent coins to exist".

An Aussie coin expert has revealed why a particular 50 cent coin is “one of the most valuable 50 cent coins to exist”.

The coin in question is the 2012 hyper-metallic 50 cent coin, which features the kangaroo, emu, coat of arms, wreath, star and the number 50 in different colours.

Perth numismatist Joel Kandiah, who goes by @thehistoryofmoney online, said the hyper-metallic coin was a “stunning reinvigoration” of the classic design first released in 1966.

“The coin is selectively coloured to highlight the different elements of Australia’s coat of arms to make this an absolutely striking piece of art,” Kandiah explained on TikTok.

“It is currently valued at $200 which is no surprise due to the absolute beauty of the coin.”

An eBay search reveals the rare 50 cent coins are currently selling for as much as $250 online.

The Royal Mint only made 58,554 of the coins and released them exclusively as part of the Mint set in 2012, which included six coins and retailed for $32.50.

They were not available to buy separately at the time.

Other rare 50 cent coins

It’s not the only rare 50 cent coin to keep your eye out for.

Downies Collectables, a Victorian-based coin dealer, recently sold a rare 1988 50 cent coin for $14,750.

All 50 cent coins minted in 1988 were supposed to feature a First Fleet boat and the dates 1788-1988 to celebrate the bicentenary.

Instead, some coins were accidentally printed with the standard coat of arms. It is understood only two of the “excessively rare” coins are floating around but more could exist.

While they are worth much less, if you come across a round 50 cent coin they can also be worth $15 due to their silver value.

The circular coins were first introduced on February 14, 1966 and are made from 80 per cent silver and 20 per cent copper. However, as the price of silver rose above the face value of the coin, the Mint stopped striking them in March 1968.