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 Replies: 9 / Views: 3,849 |
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New Member
Australia
11 Posts |
Hi folks. First post. New to coin collecting. I'm trying hard to avoid the noob questions  My lofty initial collection goals are to piece together a full set of Australian currency coins (pre and post decimal) produced for circulation in the highest grade I can acquire. Or reasonable facsimiles for those years that are going to be outside of my budget. In preparation for some bargain hunting at markets and fairs, I have been attempting to summarize the hard work done by Greg mcDonald in the 18th edition of "2011 Pocket Guide to Australian Coins and Banknotes". I am having trouble figuring out what is going on with the mint rolls for the 2 cent pieces though. Note in the picture below, the footnote states, "*Rolls marked with an asterisk are security company rolls as none were produced by the RAM." None of the tables seem to have any rolls marked with an asterisk. Additionally, mint roll figures for the Perth coins are Italicized. Is it possible that the statement in the footnote quoted above is incorrect? Meaning should the word "Asterisk" be "Italicized". Furthermore. The Canberra Mint (RAM) has a non-italicized figure for mint rolls for every year of production excluding mint set only years. Does this mean that the last word in the quote should read " Perth Mint", not "RAM"? I hope I'm not missing something obvious. Can anyone clear this up for me? Cheers Loz  |
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New Member
Australia
45 Posts |
Hi Loz - and welcome to the Forum. As far as I know, the RAM produced rolls for every year the 2c coin was issued - apart from 1966 when the Melbourne and Perth mints assisted and also apart from the years 1973 to 1983 when the Perth Mint produced the 2c coin as well. The reason that the Perth Mint rolls are italicised is to distinguish them from both the RAM issues and the security rolls. However, there were no security rolls issued, so hence the confusion. I notice that Greg puts these footnotes in at odd places throughout the catalogue - probably for formatting reasions - so don't be concerned about the lack of asterisks! Good luck with your collection! |
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New Member
 Australia
11 Posts |
Thanks Eccentric. I guess your reasoning regarding the formatting and asterisk makes some sense of things. Another question comes to mind, and while I have attempted to research this one with Google as well as looking around the Perth Mint Website, I can't help but feel it will be a noob question. While it seems all single uncirculated 2 cent coins for each year have equivalent values whether they were minted in Perth or Canberra, the prices vary for Mint rolls. Aside from the few years where Mint Marks were used, or Claws & Initials vary (Assuming it is visible at the end of the roll), how is it possible to differentiate between a Perth Mint roll and a RAM mint roll? |
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Formerly nancyc
Australia
5385 Posts |
I could be on the wrong track here, but I would guess that the RAM Mint Roll would be in a Royal Australian Mint paper wrapper, but I don't know what the Perth Mint ones would be in, however I assume they would not be in a RAM wrapper.  I'm sure someone will come along and set it all out for us.  Oh, BTW,  to the forum! I nearly forgot my manners.  life is a mystery to be lived not a problem to be solved
Edited by Nevol
05/15/2011 9:00 pm
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
515 Posts |
There are Reserve Bank Rolls and Royal Australian Mint Rolls and more recently Security Company Rolls.
If buying a security company roll it cannot always be guaranteed all the coins are unc and from the same year.
Re: The asterisk. A mistake. Was probably relevant in a previous edition and was not removed/updated. There are lots of errors in Macca's
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New Member
Australia
45 Posts |
From my own collecting experience, Perth Mint rolls are usually in Reserve Bank (or other bank) wrappers. I believe that this is the case because these coins were delivered in bulk to the bank(s) and rolled there, whereas RAM rolls were done on site. I have two 1981 2c rolls with ANZ wrappers, but all the others are Reserve Bank. If you're lucky enough to have the 'tails' end exposed, you can check the relevant claw (see catalogue for differences) for verification of the mint. Keep in mind that this is only the case for 1973-1983 (apart from the earlier 1966, 1967, and 1968 rolls). It might pay to keep an eye out for the 'missing SD' coins from 1967 and 1981 as well. It has been noted that coins from other years exhibit this variation but I have not sighted any myself. |
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21786 Posts |
Loz: Welcome to the CCF!
Your approach to Australian numismatics appears to be reasonably serious. I notice that you are a tad remote from Sydney, perhaps you may wish to think about joining the Australian Numismatic Society, at least as a corresponding member.
I also note that you are attending fairs. Perhaps you may consider visiting Sydney for the ANDA Coin Fair at Randwick Racecourse later in the year. I usually go to this event annually.
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New Member
Australia
11 Posts |
Thanks all for the replies and the warm greetings! I think I have a clearer picture of what is going on. sel_69l I'll check out the Australian Numismatic Society. I'm putting a little cash away for the coin fair at Randwick in August  Hopefully I will know enough by then to not spend it on dud coins  |
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Valued Member
Canada
109 Posts |
There's lots wrong with the MacDonalds catalogue. 1)With respect to the 1967 and 1968 2 cent pieces you'll note the 1967 "No-Sd" is "included in above" the 1968 "No-Sd" is not and should be. The 1968 No-Sd 2 cent is 10 times rarer too-the prices do not make sense. 2) He (Greg) calls coins in mint sets "Spec" and they are not. Try sending them to a TPG house for grading and they most certainly will be graded as "business" strike coins..(regular). An example is the 1970 50 cent issued by the post-Office as a Specimen. I had one professionally graded by PCGS and has come back MS-66-NOT SP-66 !(he calls that a $12.00 coin to boot...way too low) As for the prices....they're too low and not up-to-date. |
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Valued Member
195 Posts |
Security rolls have many wrappers from different security companies over the years
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Replies: 9 / Views: 3,849 |
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Posted 05/15/2011 8:14 pm
