Australia’s Predecimal Currency System
Before decimalisation in 1966, Australians used the £sd system - pounds, shillings, and pence. This system was inherited from British currency and featured unique coin denominations now prized by collectors.
HISTORICAL TIMELINE OF
AUSTRALIAN PRE-DECIMAL COINS
1910
First Australian silver coins: florin, shilling, sixpence, and threepence introduced under Edward VII (struck in London)
1911
First bronze coins: penny and halfpenny under George V
1925
Extremely rare halfpenny minted in low numbers
1930
Famous accidental mintage of the 1930 Penny - Australia's most iconic coin
1934-1935
Commemorative Centenary Florin issued for Melbourne's 100th anniversary
1951
Federation Jubilee Florin released
1963
Last full year of pre-decimal coin production
1966
14th February Decimal currency introduced - transition to dollars and cents (lc = 1.2d)
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
KEY COLLECTABLE COINS
1930 PENNY
Accidental minting during the Great Depression Extremely low mintage (est. ~1,500) Value up to $50,000+ in top grades Rarest halfpenny due to limited minting
1923 Halfpenny
Rarest halfpenny due to limited minting Highly sought by type set collectors
1934-35 Melbourne Centenary Florin
Melbourne Centenary commemorative Low mintage and high silver content
Sovereigns (1855–1931 issues)
Struck intermittently 1855-1931 in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth Significant historical and bullion value
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Tips for Collectors
Check for low mintage years
Learn about coin grades: EF (Extremely Fine), Unc (Uncirculated), Proof
Look for coins with mintmarks: (S = Sydney, M = Melbourne, P = Perth)
Original presentation packaging or provenance adds value
Did you know
Australia's first coins were struck in the UK until 1916!
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