"This is the big one": Mars-themed coin rockets up in value
A set of unusual 2017 Australian coins has leapt in value and is now fetching upwards of $6,000 online – thanks in part to one very special element of the set, and of course to the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
The remarkable 10-piece Planetary Collection set, which was released to the public in 2017, shows each of the planets of our Solar System, and also includes Pluto and the Sun.
Inside the intergalactic set, the 10 coins range from one cent to $5 and were originally sold for just $170 to savvy collectors - but it's one coin in particular that has rocketed the set's overall price: the Mars $2 coin.
Accounting for at least half of the set's overall $6000 value, Australian coin expert Joel Kandiah says that's why demand for this coin has shot through the roof and has been growing since 2020, when collectors were hunting for every single different version.
However, the Mars $2 coin within the new set is the one that people are most eager to get their hands on.
“People started buying up the entire sets because it's still relatively affordable. And that started pushing demand up for that coin specifically in a short space of time,” the social media personality said.
Halfway through last year the sets were selling between $1,800 to $2,000.
The 2012 Red Poppy and 2013 Purple coronation $2 coins are also spiking in value.
The demand for the $2 coins has shot up even more after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
However, if you're hoping to discover one behind your couch cushions, you might be disappointed, as these box set coins were never intended to be used in general circulation. But if you DO know someone who made that wise $170 investment back in 2017, now is the time to tell them what they are sitting on!
Image: Wynyardcoins.com.au