Rare Australian 5-Cent Coin Worth $4000: An Australian coin collector has taken extraordinary steps to secure an “exceptionally” rare 5-cent coin from 2016, which could be worth as much as $4,000. Coins with unique characteristics, such as minting errors, often capture the attention of collectors.
This particular coin, nicknamed the “Alien,” features an unusual minting error. A die clash on the reverse side, which normally depicts an echidna, created antennae-like imprints on the coin, making it highly sought after. Douglas Mcrostie, co-founder of Coinxchange, told Yahoo Finance that only about 10 of these coins have been discovered so far, adding to their rarity and desirability.
“They don’t know the exact number in circulation. They’re incredibly rare and very desirable,” Mcrostie explained.
Uncirculated Coins Worth Thousands
Collectors have noted that uncirculated versions of the Alien coin can fetch prices of up to $4,000. The Royal Australian Mint reportedly produced approximately 5,000 rolls of these coins, adding to their exclusivity.
In an effort to find one of these rare pieces, Mcrostie has been purchasing rolls of untouched coins from online marketplaces like Facebook and eBay. Although each roll has a face value of just $2, he paid $140 per roll, describing the venture as a “spend money to make money” strategy.
“We bought a few rolls to see if any contained the minting error because there’s always a chance,” Mcrostie shared.
Even if the rolls don’t include the Alien error coin, they may still contain 2016 “changeover” coins, which can sell for $2 to $3 each.
Circulated Coins Still Hold Value
Finding a circulated version of the 2016 Alien coin can still bring in a significant payday, with prices reaching up to $1,000. Mcrostie noted that many collectors simply buy rolls of 5-cent coins directly from the bank in hopes of discovering these rare treasures.
“It’s a popular hobby because it’s both fun and rewarding,” he said. “You can build a collection with commemorative coins or stumble upon valuable error coins. That’s often how people get started in coin collecting.”
For enthusiasts, the hunt for rare coins like the Alien offers not only the chance to add something unique to their collection but also the potential for financial gain.