2026 $1 Uncirculated Coin - Origins of Australian Coin: Holey Dollar

2026 $1 Uncirculated Coin – Origins of Australian Coin: Holey Dollar

Celebrate the fascinating origins of Australia's earliest currency with this official 2026 $1 uncirculated coin from the Royal Australian Mint. Struck in a unique, custom planchet featuring a center hole, this issue pays homage to Governor Lachlan Macquarie's ingenious 1813 solution to a desperate currency shortage in colonial New South Wales.

By punching out the centers of Spanish silver dollars struck in colonial Mexican mints, Australia created its first distinctive coins: the Holey Dollar and the Dump. Releasing in 2026 to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Mexico, this historic release captures the shared numismatic heritage of both nations. Housed in an official presentation coincard, mintage is strictly capped at 35,000 pieces.

Specifications

• Year of Issue: 2026
• Theme: Origins of Australian Coin – The Holey Dollar
• Denomination: $1
• Finish: Uncirculated
• Metal Content: Cupro-Nickel (CuNi)
• Mass: 12.58g
• Diameter: 30.00mm Outer (6.00mm Inner Center Hole)
• Maximum Mintage: Limited to 35,000 coins
• Obverse Effigy: Official portrait of His Majesty King Charles III by Daniel Thorne
• Reverse Designer: E. Waterford
• Packaging: Official Royal Australian Mint presentation card
• Issuer / Mint: Royal Australian Mint, Canberra

Design Details & Key Features

• Authentic Holey Dollar Format: Struck on an innovative custom coin blank featuring a physical central hole mirroring the iconic 1813 original.
• Detailed Historical Artwork: The reverse incorporates a detailed recreation of the 1813 Holey Dollar from the National Coin Collection, alongside an 1813 Dump motif and floral emblems representing Australian golden wattle and Mexican dahlia.
• King Charles III Obverse: Blends historic 1813 Holey Dollar obverse details with the official Australian coinage effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Daniel Thorne.
• Diplomatic Anniversary Tribute: Marks 60 years of formal Australia-Mexico relations by honoring the historic 19th-century trade routes that brought Mexican silver dollars to early Australia.

Condition and Presentation Note

• Uncirculated Quality: Coin is in uncirculated condition, sealed inside its protective coincard.
• Packaging Wear Note: Official presentation cards and outer paper sleeves may display minor superficial edge wear, subtle corner softening, or light handling marks consistent with manufacturing, transit, and warehousing.