Australian pre-decimal silver coins minted between 1910 and 1945 comprise 92.5% pure silver (aka sterling silver). Later dates contain 50% silver. When decimal coinage was introduced in 1966, the circular 50 cent coin contained 80% silver.
For collectors, Australian pre-decimal coins are those minted between 1910, when Australia's first national currency was introduced, and 1964. Of those Australian coins, the threepence, sixpence, shilling, crown and florin were all minted in silver.
From 1910 to 1945, Australian silver coins ranged from the threepence up, which were made of . 925 fine sterling silver. In 1946, these silver coins were debased to . 500 fine silver, and after the switch to the dollar in 1966, all Australian silver coins were devoid of their silver content, with one exception.
US dimes, quarters, half dollars and dollars were minted in 90% silver until 1964. Produced to save nickel for the war effort, war nickels 1942-1945 are 35% silver (silver nickel production started part way into 1942). Half-dollar coins minted between 1965 and 1970 are 40% silver, but from 1971 on, contain no silver.
Invest in American History. Most coins minted in the United States before 1965 were 90% silver and 10% copper. Silver at the time was a cost-effective way to produce coins that were both durable and attractive. All other U.S. denominations other than pennies and nickels at one time were struck using 90% silver.
Inspect the Edge of Your Coins
The best way to determine if your coins are silver is to view the edge of the coin. If the coin has a solid silver stripe, then you can feel confident that it's silver. If you can see a copper stripe, then the coin is clad.
Which Australian One Dollar Coins Are Valuable? Australia's rarest one dollar coin is the 2000 $1/10c mule - this is the one to look for! A few years ago, a mint condition example sold at auction for more than $10,000.
The obverse bears the second portrait of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, also known as the Jubilee Head portrait. Each coin weighs 28.12g and is 925.0 Silver. Minted by The Royal Mint.
The $2 coin is made of 92% copper, 6% aluminium and 2% nickel. It is circular in shape, and has an interrupted milled edge. It weighs 6.6 grams and is 20.5 millimetres in diameter. The 1 and 2 cent coins were first introduced with decimalisation on 14 February 1966.
American Eagle Silver Bullion Coins are coins whose weight and purity are guaranteed by the United States Government. They're also allowed in an IRA. Each coin contains a minimum of one troy ounce of 99.9% pure silver. The obverse design of the American Eagle Silver Bullion Coins is based on Adolph A.
There is only one coin with a truly good weight-to-value ratio and that is the $2 coin. Finding a $2 coin still means something. To illustrate this, a kilogram of $2 coins is worth $303, while a kilogram of 5c pieces, 10c pieces or 20c pieces is worth $17.60. Finding a $1 or $2 gold coin still means something.
Scrap/junk 92.5% silver coins 1 Kilo (kg) 29.74oz Includes a mix of threepences sixpences shillings and florins Dated from 1910-1945 Cheap bulk silver!
The 1966 wavy baseline 20c is still the most sought after rare Australian 20c coin. The coins are still in circulation, with one person commenting on the TikTok that they had three of the rare coins.
George V, Halfcrown (.
From 1911 until 1919 his coins were struck in Sterling Silver and from 1920-1936 they were struck in 500 fine Silver. Although there were crowns struck occasionally, on a regular basis the largest non gold coin struck was the Halfcrown or Two Shillings and Sixpence.
This fine silver coin commemorates the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II. Surrounded by engraved maple leaves, the coin's reverse features the colour portrait that was taken during her last Canadian homecoming in 2010. A royal portrait and legacy preserved in 99.99% pure silver.
Each coin weighs 28.28g and is . 925 Sterling Silver.
A list of valuable 50c Australian coins is fairly short - most are only worth their face value unless they are in premium grade. One of the first 50 cent piece designs that many people notice in their change are the fifty cent coins struck for the Centenary of Federation - there is one for each state and territory.
The reality is that these coins are worth…. $2! They have no value over their face value and anyone who tries to sell them to you for more than that is scamming you and should be avoided like the plague. These coins are high-mintage items.
The Magnet Test
"Silver is not noticeably magnetic, and exhibits only weak magnetic effects unlike iron, nickel, cobalt, and the like," says Martin. "If your magnet sticks strongly to the piece, it has a ferromagnetic core and is not silver." Fake silver or silver-plated items are generally made of other metals.
It is better to avoid touching the bars or coins to keep them in original condition. Your hands will accumilate oils and dirt over time which can lead to quicker tarnishing or damaging of silver coins.