How to find rare 20c coin worth up to $4000

A TikToker talks Aussies through the tiny detail that will reveal whether they’ve found a rare 20c coin that can fetch a price of up to $4000.

The rare coin features a wavy bottom on the number two. Picture: TikTok

A Perth-based TikToker and numismatist has revealed the tiny detail on a rare 20c coin that can fetch eye-watering prices of up to $4000.

Joel Kandiah, whose video has garnered more than 46,000 views, has urged Aussies to “empty out (their) coin jars” and check for one of the special coins.

According to Mr Kandiah, who goes by @thehistoryofmoney on TikTok, the coin can be worth between $250 and $4000 – a staggering 20,000 times its nominal value.

Joel Kandiah posts TikToks telling Aussies how to identify rare coins. Picture: TikTok

The rare 20c coin is highly sought after by collectors. Picture: TikTok

“Find a 20c coin from 1966 and turn it over to the tails side,” Mr Kandiah said.

“Look at the bottom of the number two – at the top of the base, if it’s wavy, you’re gonna be in the money.”

Flip the coins to the reverse/tails side and check the bottom of the number two. Picture: TikTok

The special coin will have a curved line at the bottom of the number two. Picture: TikTok

Around half of the Australian 20c coins made in 1966 were struck by the Royal Mint in London where one of the tails dies used was damaged and touched up, resulting in the distinctive “wave” pattern on the number two.

The 1966 wavy baseline 20c is still the most sought after rare Australian 20c coin.

The coins are still in circulation, with one person commenting on the TikTok that they had three of the rare coins.

The TikToker compares a standard coin against the rare version. Picture: TikTok

The special coin can fetch up to $4000. Picture: TikTok

Mr Kandiah also pointed out that cleaning a rare coin could lessen its value to a collector.

Collectors are often willing to pay thousands of dollars more than the nominal value of a banknote or coin depending on factors such as its date and condition.

The Australian 20c coin was first introduced with decimal currency in 1966, with Stuart Devlin’s platypus design remaining unchanged until 1995.

It replaced the florin, a coin worth two shillings or a tenth of a pound.

@thehistoryofmoney

The Wavy Baseline 20c #australia#money#coins#coincollecting#numismatics#thehistoryofmoney

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The platypus continues to be the standard design for the reverse face except for commemorative designs, while four different obverse face designs have featured on the coin.

Queen Elizabeth II, Raphael Maklouf (a British sculptor) and Jody Clark (a British engraver employed at the Royal Mint whose portrait of the Queen featured on Australian dollar coins) have all featured on the 20c coin.