Silver coins were in regular circulation in Australia. The values below represent the intrinsic value of silver coins from Australia.
Australia silver coins that are in uncirculated condition, or that may be rare and collectible may also have numismatic value. You can use this table as a guide when buying and selling circulated silver coins from Australia.
The melt values are calculated and displayed in USD based on the today's silver spot price of $30.12 per troy ounce.
Denomination / Currency | Years Minted | Fineness | Gross Weight (g) | ASW (g) | ASW (oz t) | Melt Value |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3 Pence | 1911- 1944 | .925 | 1.41 | 1.30 | .0419 | $1.26 |
3 Pence | 1947- 1964 | .500 | 1.41 | 0.71 | .0227 | $0.68 |
6 Pence | 1910- 1945 | .925 | 2.82 | 2.61 | .0839 | $2.53 |
6 Pence | 1946- 1963 | .500 | 2.82 | 1.41 | .0453 | $1.36 |
1 Shilling | 1910- 1944 | .925 | 5.65 | 5.23 | .168 | $5.06 |
1 Shilling | 1946- 1963 | .500 | 5.65 | 2.83 | .0908 | $2.73 |
1 Florin | 1910- 1945 | .925 | 11.31 | 10.46 | .3364 | $10.13 |
1 Florin | 1946- 1963 | .500 | 11.31 | 5.66 | .1818 | $5.48 |
1 Crown | 1937- 1938 | .925 | 28.28 | 26.16 | .841 | $25.33 |
50 Cents | 1966 | .800 | 13.28 | 10.62 | .3416 | $10.29 |
During the early colonial period, Australia did not have its own coinage. Instead, a variety of foreign coins were used in the colony, including British, Spanish, Dutch, and Indian coins. The shortage of coins led to the use of rum as a currency.
In 1825, the British government imposed the sterling system on the colonies, and British coins began to circulate widely. However, it wasn't until the mid-19th century that silver coins became more common in everyday transactions.
Australia's own silver coinage began in 1910 when the Australian government introduced its first silver coins, which included the florin, shilling, sixpence, and threepence. These coins were minted in London and bore the image of King Edward VII.
On February 14, 1966, Australia adopted the decimal currency system, replacing the pound with the Australian dollar. The new silver coins included the 50-cent, 20-cent, 10-cent, and 5-cent pieces. Initially, the 50-cent coin was made of 80% silver but was soon replaced with a copper-nickel version due to the rising cost of silver.
In recent years, the Royal Australian Mint has issued numerous commemorative silver coins to celebrate various events, anniversaries, and cultural heritage. These coins are typically produced in limited quantities and are popular among collectors.