PP, Emu and who ever else, I am after some answers

[lacey]

I was just reading this:

The 50 cent coin was first introduced with decimalisation on 14 February 1966. The original design featured the Commonwealth Coat of Arms struck on an 80 per cent silver coin. Silver prices rose above the face value of the coin in 1967 and striking of the coin was suspended in March 1968. Although it was rumoured that the Royal Australian Mint had lost money on striking these coins, all 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 50 cents, significant negative comment arose from confusion of the circular coin with the 20 cents. The decision to reissue a 50 cent coin considered not only a change to materials but also different shapes to help solve confusion with the 20 cents. A new shape and alloy was reintroduced into circulation in September 1969.

Does that mean they were still making round 50c coins in 67 and part of 68??

[ausjack]

:scratch_one-s_head: sorry I can't help lacey but I'll be very interested to find out :good:

[SULLA]

The way it reads confirms that it was not until March 68 that production stopped.

It is not uncommon for RAMint to produce coins "out of year".
The most recent was the 2010 MOR produced in 2011.
20,225,0000  - 3.90m 2009/10
                     7.25m 2010/11
                     9.105m 2011/12

Perth Mint has recently reminted coins going back to the early nineties.

This is the type of question which should be asked of RAMINT but their records "going back" are pretty inefficient.

[JeffH]

I believe they produce 1967 round 50¢ coins but they were all melted down.

[ausjack]

:scratch_one-s_head: so what's to stop them minting 67, 68 50's now so we can have ALL the years in a set :laugh2: I think it's a joke that they do that sort of thing as it can change the value of coins so much it wouldn't funny :fie:

[SULLA]

I believe they produce 1967 round 50¢ coins but they were all melted down.

Hi Jeff,

Can you provide a link to support that statement?

Thanks.

Sulla
=====

:scratch_one-s_head: so what's to stop them minting 67, 68 50's now so we can have ALL the years in a set :laugh2: I think it's a joke that they do that sort of thing as it can change the value of coins so much it wouldn't funny :fie:

Generally the minting of coins needs to be approved by the Treasurer (or similar). Others here will know more.

Why they minted out of year (2010 MOR) was  a question I asked of the Mint and was told that they dies were still in good condition and they squeezed the most out them they could.

If they still have the original dies form a past period, I suppose they can do what they want subject to the first line of this post!

[Robster]

Great idea A.J.   A collection of round 50c starting in 1967 in silver would probably raise interest for new collectors. Start in 2017 and release one each year as a 50 year commemorative.!!  :angel:

[purplepennyhunter]

Here's something I wrote for the Blog.

early 50c timeline

[Robster]

Great read (reread).! :ok:

[Fordprefect]

From an early Renniks
(Image 1 & 4 have there descriptions reversed)

[SULLA]

Thanks pph.

Very nice story!

[robbiegal]

From an early Renniks
(Image 1 & 4 have there descriptions reversed)

that is really cool
they bought what looks like those trial pieces out for us (the coin club) when we had an evening over at the RAM
funny thing is - that - they were on a display board and one fell off onto the floor - almost unnoticed
but being the honest folks that we are - it was found (and not swapped) and given back  to the guys who bought them out for us to look at

the decimal collectors were melting with excitement of course

[runway]

http://www.noble.com.au/auctions/lot/?id=280289

[purplepennyhunter]

http://www.noble.com.au/auctions/lot/?id=280289

Wynyard coins currently has that set for sale. Saw it in Sydney the other week.

[markn]

http://www.noble.com.au/auctions/lot/?id=280289

Some body at Nobles needs to learn what 45 degrees and 90 degrees are.