Aussie $2 coin honouring Covid workers now worth 50 times its value - and other 'dodgy' coins are now worth thousands

Aussies should check their spare change for coins that have sharply risen in value, including a $2 coin honouring Covid workers that is now over 50 times its original value.

The gold coin - only minted in 2022 and stamped with 'Australian Frontline Workers' as a tribute to Covid health workers - is now among the Australian legal tender growing fastest in value. 

It now sells for $135, reported 9 News. 

Another $2 coin that has soared in value are those marking the 2013 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation.

Rarer in circulation, this coin can sell for between $40 and $110 - however a mint condition uncirculated coin is now for sale at Wynard Coins for $795. 

However, if you don't come across a colourful $2 coin with a reference to workers, anniversaries or special occasions, value can be found in your every day change if you look closely.

A 50-cent coin from 1988 is worth a whopping $14,750.

In the nation's bicentennial year, it was decided all 50-cent pieces would not contain the coat-of-arms and instead commemorate the First Fleet's 200-year anniversary. 

However, this coin was one of only a few minted with the coat-of-arms, driving up its value. 

Aussies should also keep their eyes peeled for a $1 coin with a double rim.

Minted in 2000, it is estimated between 6,000-7,000 of the coins were mistakenly struck with a 10c die - creating a double rim that makes these coins worth up to a cool $3,000.

A rare 20-cent coin is worth $150 all because it has a rim error.

Minted in 1974, the coin was made using a 'clipped planchet', which means the metal disc used to stamp the coins had an error on its rim. It is known as a 'bitten rim'.

It can be seen next to the date '1974' on the obverse side of the coin. 

On the 'tails' side of a 1984-minted $1 coin is a small defect that has seen the value increase to $45.

The letter 'R' in the word 'DOLLAR' is not as defined due to the die breaking, which created a cavity allowing for the R to overflow slightly. 

Coin expert Matthew Thompson from Town Hall Coins and Collectables in Sydney previously told Daily Mail Australia that most people pass on rare coins by accident - so they should be looking for anything out of place.

'Mules and mistakes are rarer and possible to find in your change. They have value because generally the mint doesn’t make mistakes,' he said.

'But from time to time things can go awry. If you see mistakes on a coin, if you have something interesting, odd or out of place, then other people are likely to find it interesting, too.'

However, Mr Thompson warned people not to be taken advantage of.

‘People put a random price on a coin on ebay. That’s the big issue. People trying to scam people,' he said.

'If you want to start actually collecting, do research, get a book or catalogues. Go and see a coin specialist.’