Coins and Australia - One dollar 2004 - Australian coins price guide and values

Holographic Kangaroos

This coins was available in sets, including the 2004 Baby Coin Set. The baby sets were made to commemorate and celebrate the birth of a baby. The proof version contained a complete set of individually struck 2004 proof coins that feature the 6 traditional designs first used on our decimal coinage. The five kangaroos on the $1 coin appear as a hologram.

The $1 hologram coin has been made possible by a manufacturing method to produce a holographic effect on a coin, developed by the CSIRO in conjunction with the Mint. This method, called Replica Micro Moulding, uses a high precision elastomer stamp as a means for transferring a complex micro-pattern (the holographic image) onto the surface of the coin. A finely focused electron beam forms a pattern of fine grooves (which is the image that will appear on the reverse of the coin) on a specially prepared elastomer stamp. After striking the coin with the obverse image (effigy of the Queen) in the normal way in a coining press, the coin then goes through a second process where each coin has a resin application and is struck using the elastomer stamp. The fine pattern of grooves applied to the surface of the coin has been specifically designed to give an iridescent image with distinct colours and featuring a movement of the image with tilting of the coin.

S - Eureka Stockade

In 2004, the Royal Canadian Mint released special dollar coins to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Eureka Stockade. The design for this $1 represents the uprising of the gold miners at Ballarat. Eureka is widely viewed as the most dramatic event experienced on Australian soil in the 19th century. The event, which took place on Sunday December 3, is seen by many Australians as the rise of democracy in this country and the concept of a 'fair go'. Read more »

Eureka Stockade - Silver

In 2004, the Royal Canadian Mint released special dollar coins to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Eureka Stockade. The design for this $1 represents the uprising of the gold miners at Ballarat. Eureka is widely viewed as the most dramatic event experienced on Australian soil in the 19th century. The event, which took place on Sunday December 3, is seen by many Australians as the rise of democracy in this country and the concept of a 'fair go'. Read more »

First Moon Walk

On July 1969 (21 July AEST), Neil Armstrong descended from the Eagle lunar module, taking one small step for man, one giant leap for manking. Images of the historic moon walk were captured on Earth by Australia's Parkes radio telescope and relayed to Mission Control in Houston for international broadcast.

This event was commemorated on several Australian coins. Read more »

1964 Penny

Released to mark the 40th anniversary of the minting of the last Australian Penny. The coin featured the distinctive bounding kangaroo design of the Penny surrounded by a silver ring carrying further Penny reproductions in miniature. The penny coin was only available by subscription.