•  Account
    • My account
    • Messages
    • Guest order history
    • Register
    • Log in
  •  Wish list (0)
  •  Compare (0)
  •  Shopping cart
  •  Checkout
  • Terms and conditions
  • About us
  • Contact us
Gold Coast Coins & Stamps
Shopping Cart 0
  • Empty shopping cart

  • Australian Pre-decimal Coins
  • Australian Coins
    • Australian Special Strikes and Counterstamps
    • Decimal Mint Rolls
    • Silver Kangaroos
    • Masterpieces in Silver and Fine Silver Proof Coin Sets
    • Uncirculated Coin Sets
    • Proof Coin Sets
    • Dollar Coins
    • Fifty Cent Coins
    • Royal Australia Mint issues
    • Perth Mint issues
  • Australian Banknotes
  • Stamp & Coin Covers
  • Stamps
    • Australian
    • Australian Antarctic Territory Stamp Issues
    • Cocos (Keeling) Island Stamps
    • Christmas Island Stamps
    • Norfolk Island Stamp Issues
    • Great Britain
    • New Zealand
  • Australia Post Annual Stamp Collections
  • First Day Covers
  • Accessories

Fifty Cent Coins

  • Australian Coins
  • Fifty Cent Coins

Categories

  • Australian Coins
    • Dollar Coins
    • Fifty Cent Coins
    • Perth Mint issues
    • Proof Coin Sets
    • Royal Australia Mint issues
    • Uncirculated Coin Sets
    • Australian Special Strikes and Counterstamps
    • Australian Decimal Mint Rolls
    • Masterpieces in Silver and Fine Silver Proof Coin Sets
    • Silver Kangaroos
  • Australian Pre-decimal Coins
  • Australian Banknotes
  • Stamp & Coin Covers
  • Stamps
  • Coin, Banknote and Stamp Catalogues
  • World Coins & Banknotes
  • Coin Holders & Capsules and Other Accessories
  • First Day Covers
  • Stamp & Coin Accessories
  • Bottle Cap and Pin Albums and pages
  • Royalty

Australian Fifty Cent Coins

The fifty cent coin was first introduced with decimal currency on 14 February 1966. The original design featured the Commonwealth Coat of Arms struck on a coin made from 80% silver. However as the silver price rose above the face value of the coin the Mint suspended striking of the coin in March 1968.

Although it was rumoured that the Mint had lost money striking the fifty cent, all the metal used in the manufacture of the 36.5 million coins produced was purchased before the price rises.

Apart from the uneconomic cost of continuing the issue of the silver fifty cent coins, increasing confusion arose regarding the similarity in sizes between the circular fifty cent and the twenty cent coin. The decision to reissue a fifty cent coin considered not only a change to materials but also different shapes to help solve the confusion with the twenty cents.

A new shape and alloy was reintroduced into circulation in September 1969.

This denomination has since been used for commemorative designs.                                                 

Nominal specifications

1966

1969 - present

Composition: 80% Silver - 20 % Copper

Composition: 75% Copper - 25% Nickel

Shape: Circular

Shape: Dodecagonal

Edge: Milled

Edge: Plain

Mass: 13.28 grams

Mass: 15.55 grams

Diameter: 31.65 millimetres

Diameter: 31.65 millimetres (across flats)


There are no products to list in this category.
Continue

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter for updates and special offers!
Information
  • About us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Gallery
Store
  • Brands
  • Gift Certificates
  • Specials
  • Site Map
Account
  • My Account

  • Order History

  • Reward Points
  • Wish List
Customer Service
  • Contact Us

  • Returns
  • Shipping
  • Payment

Ozcart® shopping cart software
Gold Coast Coins & Stamps © 2022.
Top