As one of the most trusted coin dealers in Australia, the Wynyard Coin Centre boasts a fine array of Pre Decimal Australian coins. We’re committed to helping collectors like you add value and variety to your collection.

Australian Pre Decimal Coins – A Look at the Past

In 1910, Australia’s first Commonwealth pre decimal coins were struck in silver and produced in London, United Kingdom featuring the crowned obverse of King Edward VII. Denominations of Threepence (3d), Sixpence (6d), Shilling (1/-) and Florin (2/-), these were to be the first and only silver coins to feature Edward as he passed away on 6 May 1910. 

Edward’s son, King George V came to the throne in 1911. Australian pre decimal coins now consisted of six different denominations; bronze Halfpenny (1/2d) bronze Penny (1d), silver 3d, 6d, 1/- and 2/-. In 1916, the first Commonwealth silver (3d, 6d, 1/- & 2/-) coins were struck at the Melbourne Mint, then in 1919 1/d’s and 1d’s were struck by both Melbourne and Sydney mints. 

In 1927, the first pre decimal commemorative coin was issued to commemorate the opening of Parliament House in Canberra on Australia’s largest denomination at the time – the Florin!

The 1930 Penny is one of the most sought after Australian coins, with one of the tiniest mintages in the series. It is considered to be rare. 

When King George V died in January 1936, Edward VIII took to the throne but abdicated a few months later and by December that year King George VI replaced his brother – that’s right three kings in one year! However, no Australian coin ever featured a portrait of Edward VIII.

Pre Decimal Australian coins (1d, 3d, 1/- and 2/-) dated 1937 are some of the most valuable, because of their mintage of between 8-12 pieces known to exist, making these extremely rare coins. The first of Australia’s largest silver coins called the Crown, equivalent to five shillings (5/-), was struck. Dated 1937, but not as valuable as the other issues of the same year. 

In 1938, pre-decimal Australian coins now consisted of seven coins: 1/2d, 1d, 3d, 6d, 1/- 2/- and 5/-. The 5/- only lasted for two years. The year 1939 saw the arrival of two different 1/2d reverses – the Commonwealth of Australia classed as type I and the Kangaroo being the type 2 issue. King George VI died in 1952.

Queen Elizabeth II acceded the throne in 1952, her coronation was in 1953. The final year for the 6d, 1/- & 2/- was in 1963, while the 1/2d, 1d & 3d were discontinued in 1964. As such, there were no Australian pre decimal coins dated 1965 as Australia was preparing to go decimal in 1966. Various mint’s struck coins for Australia including London, Heaton, India, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth. 

Pre Decimal & Valuable Australian Coins for Collectors & Numismatists

You are welcome to browse our extensive array of valuable Australian coins. Our stock boasts of pre decimal and rare Australian decimal coins. We also offer gold sovereign coins and many other Australian items to suit all budget. If you need relevant information about adding to your collection, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us by phone, email or pass by our Sydney store.