Australian coin collecting has never been more prominent. The 2025 State of Collectables Report, published by eBay and Deloitte Access Economics, puts coins at the top of the collecting charts – ahead of toys, fashion, memorabilia and more.
For collectors, investors and dealers, it confirms what many already knew: coins are more than nostalgic trinkets – they’re a powerful category of tangible assets with lasting appeal and economic weight.
Coins Lead the Pack in Australian Collecting
According to the report, coins are the most collected item in Australia, making up 34% of all collectors surveyed. That equates to an estimated $5.7 billion in numismatic holdings across the country.
This is more than just pocket change, it’s evidence of a maturing market and a growing awareness of the value (and enjoyment) of coin collecting.
Profit Potential: The $13,000 Stat
One of the headline stats from the report: collectors who sold items reported a median profit of $13,000 over three years. However, that figure only reflects collectors who actually sold at a profit, and excludes the 67% who didn’t sell anything at all.
It’s a helpful reminder that while the returns can be real, coin collecting isn’t a guaranteed investment strategy – it’s a hobby first, and a market second.
🔍 Want to know what your coins are worth? Learn more about our valuation services.
Investment vs Hobby: What Motivates Collectors?
Only 19% of collectors are motivated by investment returns. The remaining 81% collect for love of history, design, nostalgia, or the thrill of the chase.
This emotional connection creates a more stable collecting environment, but it also means buyers may pay a premium for coins that strike a personal chord, regardless of catalogue value.
That’s not a bad thing – just something to keep in mind when evaluating your next purchase.
Why Coins Continue to Dominate the Collecting Landscape
Coins have several natural advantages over other collectables:
1. Universal Appeal
Everyone uses coins. They’re instantly recognisable, and you don’t need a niche interest to appreciate a 1930 Penny or a Sydney Mint Sovereign.
2. Defined Rarity
With published mintage figures and historical data, collectors can assess scarcity with confidence.
3. Tangible History
Each coin tells a story. From colonial copper to modern commemoratives, coins are historical documents in miniature.
4. Easy to Store & Transport
Unlike artwork or vintage cars, coins are compact, secure and simple to insure.
📖 Check out our Beginner’s Guide to Coin Collecting to get started or refresh your knowledge.
Who’s Collecting?
The report reveals strong diversity in age and gender:
- 51% male, 48% female
- All age groups represented
- 18–24-year-olds are most likely to collect
This younger demographic is reshaping the hobby. They research online, buy digitally, and are often drawn to modern collectables like coloured $2 coins or PCGS-graded issues.
They also represent a wave of new demand – which creates opportunity for sellers and smart investors.
Digital Dominance: eBay, Auctions and Online Marketplaces
The report confirms that 70% of collectors use online platforms, with eBay still leading the charge. However, traditional auction houses remain critical for investment-grade coins and higher-value pieces.
Online advantages:
- Global reach
- Transparent pricing
- Access to grading and authentication services
Challenges:
- Harder to assess coins in person
- Risk of misrepresented items or scams
- Less personalised service compared to established dealers
Untapped Potential: 5 Million Future Collectors
Perhaps the most exciting stat in the report: 5 million Australians are interested in collecting but haven’t started yet.
For the numismatic community, this is an opportunity. These potential collectors represent a new generation of buyers with fresh preferences and new collecting motivations.
Whether you’re a dealer, investor or long-time collector, there’s value in engaging, educating and welcoming them to the fold.
Final Thoughts: A Market on the Rise
The 2025 State of Collectables Report makes it clear: numismatics in Australia is growing, both in popularity and in market value.
But while the headlines are exciting, success still depends on how you collect – and why.
Whether you’re in it for the profits, the passion, or a little of both, the fundamentals haven’t changed: do your research, collect what you love, and stay engaged with the market.
🧠 Need help with your collection? Get in touch with the team at Roxbury’s Numismatics – here to help collectors at every level.
