Australia Silver Coin Calculator

The Australian spot silver price was last updated on 10/6/2017 9:59:25 PM GMT.

An important fact to remember about the calculator is it measures a coin or coins silver value content, not its numismatic value. Rare or better conditioned coins will always exceed their silver melt value.

History of Australian Silver Coins

Australian silver coins date back to 1910. Previous to that year, the colonies of the country relied on British currency. However, Federation in 1901 gave the Commonwealth of Australia the constitutional power to strike coins, although this power was not exercised until 1910.

That year, Australia introduced the 3 Pence, the 6 Pence, the Shilling and the Florin. They were joined in 1937 and 1938 by the Crown. All of these coins were struck from sterling silver (.925). After World War II, the silver content of the coins was adjusted down to 50% as the country searched for ways to cut costs and repay its war debt.

These 50% silver coins were struck until the mid-1960's when the country went through a decimalization process and replaced the Australian Pound Coins with Australian Dollar Coins. After the switch, the only coin to appear in silver was a 50 cent piece that was only issued for one year, 1966.

Since then, circulating Australian coins have been struck from base metals. Like the U.S. and other countries, precious metals are still used for other releases such as commemorative coins.

What to Know About Silver Coin Calculator

Those looking to value their older circulating Australian silver coins based on the Australian Pound will want to keep a few things in mind. First, remember the aforementioned switch from .925 silver to .50 silver beginning in 1946, as that will significant affect any associated melt values. The above silver coin calculator can help in this.

Second, just because a coin has value based on its content does not necessarily mean that is the best price that can be obtained for it. Many older coins -- especially those with lower original mintages or those that are in better condition -- can fetch far higher numismatic values from coin collectors than their calculated melt value would indicate.

It is typically best for all coin buying and selling situations to do the homework first. If you are uncomfortable with identifying and evaluating coins in your possession, seek out the help of a professional.