How to Start Coin Collecting in Australia: A Beginner’s Guide (2026)

Name: Australian Pre-Decimal Type Set Album
Brand: Legacy Mint Co.
SKU: 1000
Price: 74.95 AUD
Availability: OutOfStock

April 2, 2026

How to Start Coin Collecting in Australia: A Beginner’s Guide (2026)

Welcome to The Ledger and what better way to start than at the very beginning with a guide on how to start collecting coins in Australia. Given the scale of options out there for coin collectors, I'll keep this article focused on collecting Australian coins.

Coin collecting is one of the easiest and most rewarding hobbies you can start in Australia—and chances are, you already have coins worth keeping sitting in your wallet, drawer, or old jar at home.

Unlike many hobbies (as someone who enjoys golf), it doesn’t require a large upfront investment. You can begin with everyday change, build knowledge over time, and gradually create a collection that reflects history, design, and personal interest.

This guide walks you through exactly how to start, what to set up, what to collect and how to store your coins properly from day one.

What is Coin Collecting?

Coin collecting is one part of 'numismatics'. Merriam-Webster defines numismatics as the study or collection of coins, tokens, and paper money and sometimes related objects (such as medals). At its core, coin collecting is the practice of gathering and organising coins based on factors like history, design, rarity, or theme.

Is Coin Collecting Still Popular?

Yes. According to the eBay State of Collectables 2025 report, issued by Deloitte, 1 in 3 Australian adults collect something, with coins emerging as the most popular collectable making up 34% of collectors. That’s more than trading cards (16%) and stamps (17%) combined.

For further context on the scale of coin collecting in Australia, the Royal Australian Mint 2024-25 Annual Report recorded that it produced 8.3 million collector coins for the year with 190 different designs. These are coins exclusively released for collectors and doesn’t even include coins minted for circulation.

What Coins Should You Collect?

One of the most common beginner mistakes is trying to collect everything at once. The best approach is to choose a clear starting point.

Circulating Decimal Coins (1966–Today)

Includes $1 and $2 coins, especially commemoratives
Easy to find in circulation
Ideal for beginners and 'Noodlers'

Pre-Decimal Coins (1910–1964)

Halfpenny, Penny, Threepence, Sixpence, Shilling, Florin, Crown
Strong historical appeal
Popular with Australian collectors
A complete set is (mostly) achievable and given they're no longer in circulation, can be completed without planning for any further releases

Non-Circulating/Themed Collecting

Mint and Proof sets
Special releases (Olympics, Aussie Big Things, Lunar Releases etc)
Design-based collections

Australia Post’s collectables guide recommends choosing a theme early, as it helps avoid overwhelm and gives your collection direction. Alternately, buy a few different affordable pieces initially or go to a coin fair if there's one near you (like the Western Money Fair) and browse what's on offer to see what appeals

Some collectors focus on:

Completing full sets of coins (like a one dollar coin from every production year)
Collecting by historical period (such as pre-decimal Australia or Proclamation Coins)
Finding rare or valuable pieces or collecting for investment (like the RA Mint's $100 and $200 gold coins or the Perth Mint's 1oz Silver releases)
Particular themes or design aspects such as monarchs, animal designs or mint series (The Australian Women's Weekly Children's Birthday Cake Book, Aussie Big Things etc)
Error coins (like the 2000 Mule One Dollar)
Simply keeping interesting coins they come across in change or on their travels

I would also suggest focus on one theme at a time. For example, if you're focused on collecting the One Dollar type set, focus on completing that set before moving on to the next. Completing a full set will give you a thrill, keep you inspired and a sense of pride.

Where to Find Coins in Australia

Getting started is straightforward. As noted by the Royal Australian Mint, many collections begin with everyday coins and grow naturally through curiosity and learning over time. You can begin by:

Checking your loose change
Browsing eBay or online marketplaces (with caution of course)
Visiting coin dealers or local shops
Purchasing directly from the Royal Australian Mint or Australia Post shops
Asking family members for old coins

Many collectors start small and gradually upgrade their collection over time as they learn more.

What Tools Do You Need to Start?

You don’t need much to begin, but having the right basics makes a significant difference.

Essential tools:

A coin album or other coin storage suitable to your theme
A safe, dry storage space

Optional tools:

A magnifying glass (for detail)
Cotton gloves (For handling coins directly)
A coin guide (The Australian Coin Collectors go to is Renniks Australian Coin & Banknote Values)

A well-designed coin album is often the foundation of a collection. It allows you to organise coins clearly, protect them from damage, and track your progress as you build out a full set. Take a long view, think about your theme, how you want to present it and ensure you have space for the full set.

How to Store Coins Properly (Avoid These Early Mistakes)

Storage is where many beginners unintentionally damage their coins.

The U.S Mint recommends storing coins in a cool, dry environment using protective holders or albums to prevent long-term deterioration.

Key principles to follow:

Avoid PVC plastics (can cause chemical damage, you may have seen older coins with a green slime on them)
Use acid-free materials
Keep coins away from humidity and temperature swings
Never clean coins (this can reduce value significantly)
Holding coins by the edges and wearing cotton gloves to avoid any oils or finger prints that can damage a coin over the long term.

Proper storage isn’t just about protection—it also makes your collection far more enjoyable to view and build.

Understanding What Makes a Coin Valuable

I can't overstate this:

Not all old coins are valuable, and not all valuable coins are old.

In general, value is driven by three factors:

Rarity
How many were made, and how many still exist

Condition
Coins in better condition are significantly more valuable.

Have a look at the below values for some of the earlier Florins. You can pick up a fine or very good grade example for around $30 to $40:

But the same coin in an uncirculated condition is going to be hard to find and sell for thousands:

Source: https://www.coinsandaustralia.com/coins-prices-value.php?australia_coins=florin-1911-1936&cat=pre-decimal

Demand
Some coins are more sought after by collectors.

Australian coin dealers such as Downies emphasise that these three factors—rarity, condition, and demand—are the primary drivers of value across the market.

For beginners, it’s best to focus on learning these fundamentals rather than trying to chase rare coins immediately.

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

Most early mistakes are easy to avoid once you know what to look for.

Cleaning coins (this almost always reduces value)
Storing coins in low-quality materials
Buying random coins without a clear focus
Buying without doing at least a little research on the value and/or the dealer
Buying the first coin you see
Trying to collect too many categories at once

A simple, structured and patient approach will outperform a scattered one every time.

Getting Started the Right Way

Starting simple is the key. Focus on a single category, store your coins properly, and build consistency over time.

Having a dedicated album early on makes a noticeable difference. It keeps your collection organised, protects your coins, and gives you a clear sense of progress as you build toward a complete set.

Legacy Mint Co. albums are designed specifically for Australian collectors, combining safe materials with a clean, structured layout that makes collecting both simple and enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is coin collecting expensive?

No it doesn't have to be. Many collections begin with coins found in everyday change and grow gradually over time. As you learn more, you may also be able to 'trade up' to more valuable pieces.

Are Australian coins worth money?

Some are, particularly rare coins or those in excellent condition. However, most collectors start for enjoyment rather than investment.

What coins should I start with?

Decimal coins or a basic pre-decimal set are the most common starting points. Buy a Renniks guide, find the coin you're interested in and look up a year with high mintage, these will most likely be the most affordable.

Should I clean old coins?

In principle, no (but they're your coins and it's up to you!). Cleaning coins can damage their surface and significantly reduce their value. Furthermore, as a new collector you may not know the difference between a coin being dirty and having developed a nice 'patina' over the years.

Below is an example. Beginners might look at the toning on this Parliament House Florin and think it’s dirty, but on closer inspection, it's developed that colour over time and is actually a very high quality coin.

In fact, this coin sold at auction in 2024 for $2460 USD

Source: https://www.pcgs.com/auctionprices/item/1927-m-florin-canberra-km-31/17936/-5981631799248989770

How should I store coins safely?

Store coins in a cool, dry environment using acid-free, PVC free albums or holders, as recommended by the United States Mint.

Final Thought

Coin collecting doesn’t need to be complicated to be rewarding. Starting with a clear focus and the right foundations will set you up for a hobby that can last a lifetime.