Australians could be sitting on a small fortune without even realizing it. In 2021, the Royal Australian Mint released a unique set of $1 coins as part of The Great Australian Coin Hunt. Among these, one coin has become particularly valuable, and spotting it in your loose change could be a lucky break.
What Makes the 2021 $1 Coins Special?
The 2021 coin collection featured 26 different $1 coins, each representing a letter of the alphabet:
- A – Akubra
- B – BBQ
- C – Cherry Ripe
- D – Dingo
- E – Emu
- F – Flies
- G – Great Barrier Reef
- H – Home and Away
- I – Ironbark
- J – Jolly Swagman
- K – Koala
- L – Lyrebird
- M – Milo
- N – Nobby’s Nuts
- O – Opera House
- P – Pavlova
- Q – Queen Victoria Market
- R – Redback Spider
- S – Sydney Harbour Bridge
- T – Tim Tam
- U – Ulysses Butterfly
- V – Lawnmower
- W – Witchetty Grub
- X – Xanthorrhoea
- Y – Yabby
- Z – Zinc Sunscreen
The Rare “G” Coin
Among the letters, G for Great Barrier Reef is the standout. While most coins had a standard design, one special edition of the G coin featured vivid colors on the coral reef, making it highly sought after.
- Only 225,000 coloured G coins were minted.
- The plain G coin had 456,000 copies, making the colored version much rarer.
- Collectors estimate the coin’s value between $165 and $325.
Michael McCauley, a coin collector, notes that while the coin is highly valuable, it’s very unlikely you’ll find one in your change.
Why Collectors Love These Coins
The 2021 collection was released both in circulation and as a 26-coin set, with just 14,500 sets minted. This combination of limited availability and unique design drives collector interest.
Other notable examples of rare Australian coins include:
- 2017 $2 Mars Coin Set – Can sell for over $6,000 online.
- Special coloured coins released by the Mint over the years – Often fetch hundreds or thousands depending on rarity.
Quick Tips for Coin Collectors
- Always check your loose change for special editions.
- Look for coins with colours or unusual designs.
- Keep coins in protective cases to preserve value.
- Stay updated on new releases from the Royal Australian Mint.
FAQs About the 2021 $1 Coin Hunt
Q1: How can I tell if I have the rare G coin?
A1: Look for vibrant colors on the Great Barrier Reef design, unlike the plain version.
Q2: Are the other lettered coins valuable?
A2: Most are collectible but not nearly as valuable as the coloured G coin.
Q3: Can I cash in the coin at a regular store?
A3: Yes, it’s legal tender, but collectors will pay much more than face value.
Q4: How many of each coin were released?
A4: Most coins had 225,000–456,000 minted, but the 26-coin set was extremely limited at 14,500.
Q5: Where can I sell a rare coin?
A5: Reputable coin dealers, online marketplaces, or auction sites.
Conclusion
If you happen to stumble across a coloured G coin from 2021, you could be holding a hidden treasure. Even if you don’t, the Great Australian Coin Hunt remains a fun way for collectors to explore unique pieces of Australian culture. Next time you check your spare change, give it a closer look—you might just get lucky.