In the realm of coin collecting, sometimes fate bestows its most cherished treasures in the unlikeliest of places. For a coin enthusiast in Perth, fortune recently smiled upon him during a routine visit to a service station, as he stumbled upon an extraordinary find: an “extremely rare” 2013 coronation $2 coin. This remarkable discovery has reignited the debate surrounding the enduring relevance of cash transactions in today’s digital age.
The 2013 coronation $2 coin, an exemplar of numismatic artistry, features regal purple stripes and the dignified St Edward’s crown, symbolising the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. With a mere mintage of approximately 995,000, this coin is an elusive gem sought after by collectors around the world.
The fortunate individual behind this astonishing find is Joel Kandiah, a connoisseur of currency who enjoys a substantial following on TikTok under the moniker @thehistoryofmoney. Kandiah shared his exhilaration, exclaiming, “Nothing could beat the feeling!” His chance encounter occurred when he opted to settle a bill at the service station using cash. Little did he know that his change would yield a treasure worth its weight in history.
The scarcity of this particular coin renders it a prized possession among numismatists, fetching prices ranging from $40 to $110, contingent upon its condition. Kandiah, echoing the sentiment of seasoned collectors, extols the virtues of relying on cash transactions to encounter such numismatic marvels organically, as opposed to procuring them from sellers at inflated prices.
While Australia’s shift toward a cashless society has seen cash payments dwindle from 27% to a mere 13% over the past three years, the allure of uncovering rare coins still holds sway for collectors like Kandiah. Some advocates have even called for legislation to safeguard the future of Australia’s physical currency in response to this ongoing digital transformation.
In the realm of coin collecting, it’s not just the 2013 coronation $2 coin that sparks excitement. Another prized gem is the 2012 coloured red poppy coin, with a mintage of only 500,000, commanding values of up to $280 for those fortunate enough to possess one.
Kandiah’s success story, however, is not unique. Another Australian recently shared their “pleasant surprise” upon discovering a round 50-cent coin, initially mistaken for a 20-cent piece. These coins, first minted in 1966, comprised 80% silver and 20% copper. As the price of silver surpassed the face value of the coin, the Royal Mint ceased production. Approximately 14 million of these silver treasures entered circulation, and today, their scarcity renders them highly sought-after collectibles, fetching approximately $15 each—thirty times their face value.
In the ever-evolving landscape of currency, the allure of numismatic discovery endures, reminding us that beneath the convenience of modern digital transactions lies a rich and rewarding world of tangible treasures awaiting those with a discerning eye and an appreciation for history.
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