The resurgence of coin collecting - Australian coins and banknotes.
After being some what dormant in Australia in recent times due to the introduction of eftpos cards and digital currency, the classic art of coin collecting is seeing new interest in 2023.
Starters guide to coin collecting.
To start off with the basics, let's explain some simple collecting termsProof coin
A method of manufacture, proof coins are struck twice giving the coin a much more intricate and shinier finish. They are usually struck for commemorative purposes and are rarer than a general uncirculated coin. Most proof coins will come from the Australian Mint.
Bullion coin
Struck for the collection of their precious metal. A bullion coin is struck in either platinum, gold or silver. Most bullion coins orders will come from the Perth Mint.
Uncirculated
Can be purchased as a coin set for collective purposes. Uncirculated is the most desired stock for collectables purposes. They are free from scratches, wear etc and are in mint condition.
Circulated
Issued by the bank, unless there is a low mintage that year circulated coins do not attract a great worth.
Pre Decimal and Decimal Coins
Prior to 1966, Australia used the traditional British monetary denominations such as sixpence, shilling, pound etc. Dollars and cents were introduced on the 14th February 1966, and is still being utilised today in 2022
Australian Mint History
The Sydney mint
Sydney was the first mint in Australia opening in 1816, and producing their first gold sovereign in 1851. Due to declining profits as other mints were built, The Sydney mint ceased production and closed its doors in 1926.
The Perth Mint
Established in 1899, the Perth mint was originally intended to refine gold from the gold rushes and turn them into gold sovereigns and half sovereigns for the British Empire. In 2011, the Perth Mint created the world's heaviest and most valuable gold coin, breaking the record previously held by the Royal Canadian Mint.
The Royal Australian Mint
Situated in Canberra, The Royal Australian Mint is responsible for producing all of Australia's circulating coins since 1967 when the Melbourne Mint closed. The mint still all of Australia's currency in now in 2022.
Searching for coin values
The upside to the digital age though is that there is currently a great amount of free accessible information that can be obtained as you search various coin websites to help you on your coin collecting journey.
Ordering items from Harrington & Co for a new customer.
Harrington & Co currently have a great cross section of Australian mint stock and world items available in our shop for the coin customer. Our listings contain relevant information and set pricing relevant to 2022. Want to know more? Want to combine orders? Send us an email to sales@hnco.com.au
Posting orders.
We post majority of our customer orders through Australia Post who service both Australian and international delivery addresses.
Do we conduct a buying service?
We do buy most of our items in bulk from dealers, however if you have a rare set or perhaps a hard to obtain coin in mint condition send us an email to sales@hnco.com.au to see if we'd be interested in purchasing. Please note we can only purchase collections based in Australia.
Do we conduct a free valuation service?
No sorry, due to the volume of stock we move we are unable to provide free valuation advice for collecting purposes or for insurance.