Australia Post launches new $2 Bluey coins after sell-out success
Australia Post has released a new set of $2 Bluey coins, potentially inspiring a new generation of collectors who may one day make a ‘Dollarbuck’ if the hobby bounces back – find out what’s valuable
READING LEVEL: GREEN
It’s time to start checking your parents’ change!
Hot on the heel(er)s of last week’s story on foreign broadcaster BBC making actual megabucks from our homegrown Brissy-based hit, at least one Bluey product line offers Aussies to make a modest profit of their own, as an old-fashioned hobby enjoys a new lease of life.
The latest coin collection featuring the world’s favourite blue heeler pup Bluey is now available, with five new, limited edition $2 designs.
The first-of their kind $2 “Dollarbuck” coins with Bluey, sister Bingo, dad Bandit and mum Chilli feature scenes from popular episodes – including Camping, Granny Mobile and Sleepytime.
The coins were struck by the Royal Australian Mint in partnership with – you guessed it – the UK’s BBC Studios. But previous collections suggest the latest round is sure to attract collectors’ attention, with the rare $1 Bluey sets now selling for upwards of $350.
The limited-edition coins were designed in collaboration with the Bluey team at Ludo Studio in Queensland and are available from participating Australia Post stores.
“Bluey is loved by families across Australia and the world, and these first ever $2 coins are a fun way for fans to connect with the characters they love,” Australia Post executive Josh Bannister said.
“Bluey and Bingo $2 coloured coins are popping up in till change when making a cash transaction at participating post offices.”
Antiques and collectables expert Rick Milne said that while there has been a downturn* due to the current political situation, the Bluey coins are “great” and present the possibility of a new generation of coin collectors.
“The coin collectors are mostly getting older, and they’re not being replaced,” Mr Milne said. “However, with the Bluey coins, there’s a whole new market of younger people who are all of a sudden interested in the subject matter.
“That’s a huge advantage with Bluey. We keep on saying, ‘Oh, it’s gotta run out of steam sooner or later’, but it doesn’t.
“And as a result, in spite of the fact that almost all the other coins that have been issued were issued generally to people that are early to middle-aged to older, who’ve generally been the collectors, suddenly we’re finding … a coin that’s aimed at younger people.
“I think it will encourage younger people, perhaps – if they continue to issue coins that relate to younger people – there is a whole new market that will open up.”
Mr Milne also said keeping coin collections in their original packaging was key to helping them hold their value.
“Coins only have value in their original packaging,” he said. “The coins as loose change, they are not worth anything more than their face value.”
In addition to the Bluey coins, Mr Milne said the most valued collector coins are 2012’s Red Poppy coins and 2013’s Coronation* coins for Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th anniversary as sovereign*, likely due to Australia’s strong patriotism*.
“So if you find those, hold onto them,” he advised.
Bluey fans can buy individual coins featuring a special Bluey Star privy mark* for $20 each and the full coin tube and folder set for $34.
The Collector Maxicard Pack and limited edition Pin Badge Covers are also available, as well as a Bluey Stamp Pack, containing twelve $1.70 self-adhesive MyStamps and a large look-a-like stamp, with graphics of Bluey plus her family and friends.
POLL
GLOSSARY
- downturn: reduction in the amount or success of something, such as a country’s economic activity
- coronation: a ceremony at which a person is made king or queen
- sovereign: a king, queen, or other royal ruler of a country, as in Australia, where our head of state is the British monarch
- patriotism: sense of loving your country more than any others and being proud of it
- privy mark: a small, distinguishing symbol or mark added to coins during the minting process, typically used to commemorate a special event
EXTRA READING
How Australia blew it with Bluey
One billion dollar Bluey bungle
Bluey becomes top dog of US TV
QUICK QUIZ
- The new $2 coins feature scenes from which episodes?
- How much are some of the $1 Bluey sets selling for?
- According to Mr Milne, what are the most valued collector coins and why?
- What is a feature of the new individual coins?
- What was a key detail for collectors who want their coins to retain value?
LISTEN TO THIS STORY
CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
1. What should be on the next coin?
Can you think of something or someone who should be celebrated on a special coin? Write a report to the Royal Australian Mint. The purpose of the report is to convince them to create this coin. Include a design of your coin, too.
Time: allow at least 60 minutes on this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Visual Communication Design
2. Extension
Did you know that many historians and archaeologists study old coins for clues about past societies and times in history? Write a list of all of the things that you think coins can tell us about the past.
Time: allow at least 15 minutes on this activity
Curriculum Links: English, History
VCOP ACTIVITY
I spy nouns
Nouns are places, names (of people and objects), and time (months or days of the week).
How many nouns can you find in the article?
Can you sort them into places, names and time?
Pick three nouns and add an adjective (describing word) to the nouns.