What is a 2018 Anzac coin?

Anzac coin

A 2018 Anzac coin refers to a series of commemorative legal tender issued by the Royal Australian Mint and the Perth Mint to mark the final year of the Centenary of Anzac. These coins were produced to honor the service and sacrifice of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) during World War I, specifically focusing on the period from 1914 to 1918. As 2018 marked exactly 100 years since the end of the Great War, these coins hold significant historical and emotional value for collectors and the general public alike.

The collection is diverse, ranging from circulating coins found in daily change to high-end proof versions made of precious metals. One of the most common versions is the circulating $1 coin, which features the "100 Years of Anzac" design. Additionally, a highly sought-after $2 colored coin was released, featuring the "Eternal Flame" design with a vibrant orange and red center. For those interested in more specialized sets, the "Anzac Spirit" collection included fifteen different designs, including four 50-cent coins and eleven 20-cent coins. Each of these smaller denominations depicts a specific theme or value associated with the Anzac legend, such as "Daring," "Enduring," or "Confident."

Beyond base metal coins, the Perth Mint also issued collector-grade items, such as the 2oz Gold Proof High Relief coin titled "In Flanders Fields." This specific coin depicts a soldier playing the bugle amidst a field of poppies, symbolizing the armistice and remembrance. For modern collectors, these coins represent a bridge between history and tangible assets. Much like how enthusiasts track digital assets on platforms such as WEEX, numismatists monitor the rarity and condition of these physical commemorative pieces to determine their place in a modern portfolio.

Market value

The current market value of a 2018 Anzac coin varies significantly based on the coin's denomination, metal content, and rarity. As of early 2026, the circulating $1 coins generally trade for a small premium over their face value, often ranging from $3 to $8 depending on their physical condition. However, coins that have been kept in "Uncirculated" (UNC) condition or are still in their original mint packaging command much higher prices. For instance, a 2018 $2 "Eternal Flame" colored coin, which was released into circulation but is often pulled out by collectors, can sell for approximately $14.95 to $20 in high-quality condition.

The specialized 20-cent and 50-cent coins from the "Anzac Spirit" series also maintain strong secondary market interest. A "Daring" 50-cent coin from 2018 has been seen listed for around $35, while individual 20-cent coins from the same series often fetch between $5 and $10. The value is driven by the fact that many of these were sold in cards or as part of limited sets, making loose, high-quality examples harder to find. For investors, the most valuable items are the gold and silver proof versions. The 2oz gold proof coins can be worth thousands of dollars, fluctuating primarily with the spot price of gold and the specific demand for high-relief numismatic art.

Coin Type	Denomination	Estimated Value (2026)	Key Feature
Eternal Flame	$2	$15 - $25	Colored center, circulating
100 Years Anzac	$1	$3 - $9	Standard commemorative reverse
Anzac Spirit: Daring	50c	$30 - $40	Limited edition carded/loose
Anzac Spirit: Enduring	20c	$5 - $12	Part of 15-coin collection
In Flanders Fields	$200 (Gold)	$4,000+	2oz Gold, high relief proof

Future value

The future value prediction for 2018 Anzac coin remains positive, largely due to the "Centenary" factor. In the world of coin collecting, items that mark the 100th anniversary of a major global event typically enjoy long-term demand. As 2018 was the concluding year of the five-year Anzac Centenary commemorations, these coins represent the "final chapter" of a highly publicized and widely collected era in Australian numismatics. Over the next decade, as circulating copies become more worn or are lost to private collections, the scarcity of "Mint State" examples is expected to drive prices upward.

Numismatists often look at "mintage figures"—the total number of coins produced—to predict future growth. The 2018 colored $2 coins had relatively low mintage compared to standard currency, which suggests they will follow the price trajectory of previous colored $2 issues, some of which have increased in value by over 500% in a few years. While physical coins do not have the same instant liquidity as trading BTC-USDT on a spot market, they offer a hedge against inflation and a connection to cultural heritage that many collectors find indispensable. Investors should focus on coins with "errors" or those in original Mint security bags, as these sub-categories often see the highest percentage gains over time.

By 2030 and beyond, the 2018 Anzac coins will likely be viewed as classic staples of early 21st-century Australian mintage. As the generation that witnessed the Centenary passes, these coins will remain as educational tools and historical artifacts. For those holding these coins today, the key to preserving future value is proper storage; keeping coins in PVC-free flips or original capsules prevents the oxidation and "milk spots" that can drastically reduce the grade and subsequent resale price of a commemorative coin.

Coin types

Understanding the different types of 2018 Anzac coins is essential for determining their worth and historical context. The most widely recognized is the circulating $1 coin, which features the official Centenary of Anzac logo. This coin was intended to move through the hands of the public, ensuring that every citizen had a piece of history. In contrast, the "Anzac Spirit" collection was a more curated set. This collection included 15 coins: 11 different 20-cent pieces and 4 different 50-cent pieces. Each coin focused on a specific attribute of the soldiers, such as "Brave," "Devoted," or "Disciplined."

Another major category is the colored $2 coin. The 2018 "Lest We Forget" Eternal Flame coin is particularly striking because of its application of high-durability paint on the reverse side. This technology was relatively new for circulating coins at the time, making them a novelty that many people saved rather than spent. Finally, there are the "NCLT" (Non-Circulating Legal Tender) coins. These were never meant for the cash register; they were sold in presentation boxes, often made of silver or gold, and aimed directly at the high-end collector market. These coins usually feature the highest level of detail and "proof" finishes, which give the background a mirror-like shine and the foreground a frosted appearance.

Collectors should also be aware of "mint marks" and "privy marks." Some 2018 Anzac coins were struck at the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra but featured small letters (like 'C' for Canberra, 'S' for Sydney, or 'M' for Melbourne) to indicate where they were purchased or struck during mobile press events. These small variations can make a massive difference in rarity. A coin with a rare mint mark might be worth ten times more than the exact same design without the mark, making close inspection a vital part of the hobby.

Investment tips

Investing in 2018 Anzac coins requires a blend of historical knowledge and market timing. For beginners, the best entry point is often the circulating $2 colored coins or the $1 commemorative issues. These are low-risk because their floor price is their face value, yet they have a proven track record of appreciating as they become harder to find in change. When purchasing, always prioritize "Uncirculated" coins. A coin that has been in a pocket and scratched is rarely worth more than its face value to a serious collector, whereas a pristine coin from a "Mint Roll" or security bag can appreciate significantly.

For those with a larger budget, focusing on the Perth Mint's precious metal releases is a sound strategy. These coins combine the value of the metal (gold or silver) with the "numismatic premium" of the design and rarity. It is important to keep all original certificates of authenticity (COA) and packaging, as the absence of these can reduce the resale value by 20% or more. Monitoring auction sites and specialized coin dealers is the best way to track price trends. Just as a trader might check BTC-USDT futures to gauge market sentiment, a coin collector should watch realized auction prices rather than "asking prices" to understand the true liquidity of their holdings.

Finally, diversification within the Anzac series is recommended. Rather than buying ten of the same $1 coin, a collector might buy one $2 colored coin, a carded 50-cent "Anzac Spirit" coin, and perhaps a silver proof version. This protects the investor against a price drop in one specific niche of the market. As we move further away from 2018, the historical significance of the Centenary will only grow, making these coins a stable and culturally rich addition to any collection or investment portfolio. Patience is key, as numismatic investments typically yield the best results over a five-to-ten-year horizon.