Bluey coins: The Royal Australian Mint releases limited edition coins, already quadrupling in resale price

The Royal Australian Mint has sent collectors into a spin once again — and this time, Bluey and Bingo are celebrating Christmas in true Aussie style.

This week, the Royal Australian Mint announced the release of two limited-edition $1 Bluey coins, featuring the Heeler sisters donning paper crowns and getting into the summer Christmas spirit.

Each coloured coin is presented inside a hanging ornament, ready to sparkle on the tree or in a collector’s display case.

But the coins haven’t even hit shelves yet, and they’re already causing chaos.

Listings for the festive collectables have popped up online for inflated prices, with some reselling for $84, which is more than four times their original value.

“The huge success of last year’s release really set the tone,” Matthew Frawley, the Royal Australian Mint’s Senior Product Development Officer, told The Nightly.

“Bluey connects with Australians of all ages and it aligns perfectly with the storytelling on our coins, and releasing them at Christmas just adds that extra layer of excitement.”

This year’s design is inspired by Bluey’s much-loved Christmas episodes, capturing the warmth and chaos of an Aussie festive season, complete with gum trees, backyard games, and family fun.

“The graphics draw inspiration from the episodes,” Mr Frawley explained.

“Part of the coin is transparent, so when you hang it on your tree, the Christmas lights shine through and make it look like the coin is lighting up and coming to life.”

It’s a clever detail that blends collectability with a touch of Christmas magic, and families are already clamouring to get their hands on one.

Last year’s Bluey coin launch saw families lining up around the block at the Mint in Canberra, and Mr Frawley says they’re expecting more of the same this week.

“We’ll probably see lines outside the Mint again with the phones going crazy,” he said.

A ballot opened Monday morning on the official Mint website, with even the staff jumping in line.

“The ballot is the fairest way to make sure everyone gets a chance, with direct sales starting Thursday morning.”

The Mint has stressed that while they’re thrilled by the enthusiasm, secondary market resales are beyond their control.

“It’s interesting to see what people are willing to pay,” Mr Frawley added.

“But we just focus on giving everyone a fair shot to buy directly from us.”

Two versions of the new Bluey coin are being released: a gold $1 coin and a fine silver proof $1 coin, both presented in festive packaging.

While fans are already hoping for another release next year, Mr Frawley kept future plans close to his chest.

“We never talk about future coins,” he said.

“There’s only the slimmest possibility of another Bluey collaboration. Our focus is always on storytelling and connecting with families in new ways.”