Australian Coins

The original Australian 1966 50 cent coin was made from 80% silver, and after the steep increases in the price of silver in the 1960's, the silver in the coin was worth more than the coin. It took only three 50 cent coins to make one ounce of silver. The coin was no longer cost effective to produce.

The 1967 issue was halted and the coins melted down.

The next, and all subsequent Australian 50 cent coins were dodecagonal and made from cupro-nickel. The change in shape was to make them more distinguishable from the slightly smaller 20 cent coin.

In pre-decimal currency, there were 240 Pennies in a Pound. Five Shillings was a quarter of a Pound, therefore, there were 60 Pennies in Five Shillings.

240 + 60 = 300 Pennies in One Pound, Five Shillings.

There were 3 Pennies in a Threepence, so divide by three to bring it to Threepences.

300/3 = 100 Threepences in One Pound, Five Shillings.

All Australian decimal bank notes remain legal tender and can be exchanged lawfully anywhere in Australia for goods and services.

Yes and no. First release notes were AB10 to AB33 only if the 3rd and 4th serial numerals were 93, 94 or 96. Second release notes were AB10 to AB57 with 3rd and 4th serial numerals other than 93, 94 or 96. The Collector series notes were AA00 to AA23.

Who knows. If all of a sudden, for some bizarre reason, every coin collector in the world wanted a 1943 Australian Penny, it could be worth $1,000 or more tomorrow.

An Australian 1953 Shilling, uncirculated and in absolute mint condition could fetch up to $48 AUD. If it has been rattling around in somebody's pocket but still in good condition, it might fetch anything from $3 to $12 AUD. An Australian 1953 Shilling (Proof), uncirculated and in absolute mint condition could fetch up to $30,000 AUD. There were 12.204 million minted. There are no documented occurences of faulty strikings, but any coin with a genuine flaw or defect would be worth something above the usual. A reputable coin dealer will be able to give a more accurate valuation.

Other than for traders tokens, there was no Australian currency until 1911. Australia did not produce a Quarter Farthing coin.

ANZ stands for "Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited".

An Australian 1936 sterling silver Threepence (George V), uncirculated and in absolute mint condition could fetch up to $185 AUD. If it has been circulated but still in good condition, it might fetch anything from $2 to $36 AUD.

There were 3.6 million minted.

A reputable coin dealer will be able to give a more accurate valuation.

An Australian 1938 bronze Halfpenny (George VI), uncirculated and in absolute mint condition could fetch up to $115 AUD. If it has been circulated but still in good condition, it might fetch anything from $0.75 to $20 AUD.

There were 5.174 million minted.

An Australian 1938 bronze Halfpenny (George VI)(Proof), uncirculated and in absolute mint condition could fetch up to $25,000 AUD.

A reputable coin dealer will be able to give a more accurate valuation.

An Australian 1951 50% silver Threepence (George VI)(minted in Melbourne - no mintmark), uncirculated and in absolute mint condition could fetch up to $52 AUD. If it has been circulated but still in good condition, it might fetch anything from $1 to $9 AUD.

There were 15.856 million minted.

An Australian 1951 50% silver Threepence (George VI)(minted in London - mintmark = PL), uncirculated and in absolute mint condition could fetch up to $16 AUD. If it has been circulated but still in good condition, it might fetch anything from $1 to $2 AUD.

There were 40 million minted.

A reputable coin dealer will be able to give a more accurate valuation.

Telstra (aka Telecom Australia, AOTC)

Sir Douglas Mawson