Contents:
The History of the Australian 2 Cent Coin
The 2 cent coin Australia showed up on February 14, 1966, the exact day the country moved over to decimal money. That change ended the old pounds-shillings-pence setup, and the copper one became one of the smallest bits of change people carried for the next couple of decades.
The Australian 2 cent coin has the frill-necked lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingii) on the reverse; it is one of the country’s most distinctive reptiles.
The design came from Stuart Devlin, the artist behind every decimal coin introduced that year. On the front side sits Queen Elizabeth II, though her look has changed over the years.
The early pieces are the rarest specimens; they used Arnold Machin’s design, and later ones (from 1985 onward) showed Raphael Maklouf’s version. They weren’t all made in one place, either. Most came out of Canberra, at the Perth Mint, some from Melbourne and Western Australia, and during the busy year of 1981, even a batch was struck over in Wales to keep up with demand.
Feature | Specification |
Value | 0.02 AUD |
Composition | 97% copper, 2.5% zinc, 0.5% tin |
Mass | 5.20 g |
Diameter | 21.59 mm |
Edge | Plain |
Years of Minting | 1966–1991 (and limited mintages in 2006–2016) |
Production of the coin ended in 1989, and both one- and two-cent pieces were withdrawn from circulation in 1992. The decision came down to inflation and the rising cost of bronze. Many of the recovered coins were later melted down and used to make bronze medals for the 2000 Sydney.
Understanding the 2 Cent Coin Value Chart
Face value hasn’t changed (still just 2 cents), but collectors don’t agree with that. The value chart shows general retail prices for loose change and uncirculated pieces:
Year | Average Value (Circulated) | Uncirculated Value |
1966 | $2.50 | $4.00+ |
1971 | $3.00 | $4.50+ |
1980 | $2.50 | $3.50 |
1982 | $2.50 | $3.50 |
1985 | $2.50 | $6.00 |
1988 | $2.50 | $6.00 |
1989 | $2.50 | $6.00 |
The value chart changes over time because conditions and demand fluctuate. The 1985, 1988, and 1989 uncirculated ones, both from the Perth and Royal Australian Mint can sell for slightly more because fewer were made for circulation that late in the series.
How Much Is a 2 Cent Coin Worth Today?
For most dates, a standard 2 cent is worth between $2 and $4 if circulated, and about $6 or more if uncirculated or still sealed in original Mint packaging. Exceptional examples with bright luster, no spotting, or certified high grades can bring higher prices.
Its value is pretty modest, but many Australians still find them tucked away in drawers or jars from the 1970s and ’80s. And because they were made of real bronze, not plated steel, they’ve aged beautifully. They usually develop rich orange or red-brown tones that collectors appreciate.
Collecting and Preserving Australian Two Cent Coins
For beginners, building a complete date set of Australian issues from 1966 to 1989 is an easy and affordable start. These coins are small, durable, and widely available, but show an important chapter in Australia’s decimal coinage history.
Try to find pieces that haven’t been in circulation. The cleaner the surfaces, the better they hold their worth
Keep them in acid-free holders or non-PVC flips, since cheaper plastics can leave a film over time
And resist the urge to shine them up, even a gentle polish can knock a good value down fast
If you’re completing a value chart collection, note the 1985 and 1989 uncirculated ones; they’re among the toughest to find in pristine condition. Though no longer circulating, the coin is a classic one.
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