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.

The Currency Structure

Shop predecimal coins

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