Australian 50 Cent (Dodecagonal)
Country of Origin: Australia (Royal Australian Mint)
Year of Issue: 2007
Denomination: 50 Cents (AUD)
Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel (Cupro-Nickel)
Brief Description
A large, silver-colored, 12-sided (dodecagonal) coin featuring the Australian Commonwealth Coats of Arms and Queen Elizabeth II.
Historical Significance
The 50 cent coin was first introduced with the transition to decimal currency in 1966. While initially round and made of silver, it was changed to this dodecagonal cupro-nickel design in 1969 to avoid confusion with the 20 cent coin and because the silver value exceeded the face value.
Estimated Value
$0.50 - $2.00 in circulated condition; $5 - $10 in Uncirculated/Mint State.
Care Instructions
Avoid cleaning with chemicals or abrasives. Store in a cool, dry place within PVC-free holders or coin flips to prevent oxidation and environmental damage.
Mint Mark
None (Royal Australian Mint, Canberra)
Mintage & Rarity
Common; Approximately 31.6 million were minted in 2007.
Weight & Diameter
15.55 g, 31.51 mm
Edge
Plain (smooth)
Apparent Grade
Fine/Very Fine - Shows significant circulation wear, flattened details in the hair of the Queen and on the feathers/fur of the Coat of Arms supporters.
Obverse (Front)
The Fourth Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara. Inscriptions: 'ELIZABETH II', 'AUSTRALIA', and '2007'. Designer: Ian Rank-Broadley.
Reverse (Back)
The Australian Commonwealth Coat of Arms supported by a Kangaroo and an Emu, with the number '50' at the bottom. Designer: Stuart Devlin.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Most 2007 coins are only worth face value if circulated. Value increases significantly for error coins or high-grade uncirculated examples.
Similar Coins
The 1966 Round 50 Cent (80% silver) and various Australian 50 cent commemoratives sharing the same shape but different reverse designs.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check the weight (15.55g) and ensure the 12-sided shape is crisp. Counterfeits for this common date are rare, but magnetic tests and visual sharp-detail checks are standard authentication steps.
Notable Varieties & Errors
No major varieties for 2007; collectors generally look for 'struck through' errors or 'rotated die' errors which can occur in any year.
Created At: 2026-06-22T14:22:48.738214