Alas Poor Yorick - Precious Metal Coin Prices in 2026

There's a scene in Shakespeare's Hamlet where Hamlet comes across a skull in a graveyard. The skull of a jester who Hamlet knew as a boy, which moves Hamlet to reflect on "poor Yorick" and his passing. Shakespeare doesn't explain what a skull was doing loose on the ground in a graveyard, but does use the scene to have Hamlet reflect on the fleeting nature of life. That recognition of the fleeting nature of life and opportunity comes to me when I think of the current market for precious metal coins in Australia.

If you're not already aware, in the past month, the market for precious metals surged (again) in a historic rally. The AUD price soared past AUD $6,700 per ounce and silver broke AUD $130. Nearly all of our silver flew out the door, and much of our gold.

Even though that "pop" was just weeks ago, that was then and this is now, so what does it all mean for the individual collector? Was that a peak, or just another stage in a larger cycle?

Ask 10 different collectors and you'll get 13 different opinions, so I don't think its a matter of getting the right answer, its a matter of each of us arriving at the right answer for us.

We're all in different circumstances, we all have different limitations as well as varying tolerance for risk and we all have different objectives.

From my experience, navigating periods of volatility like that we're in at the moment requires more than luck; it warrants a planned approach. Whether you inherited a few sovereigns or have spent decades curating a portfolio of Perth Mint lunar series coins, the current market presents both opportunities and risks. 

This article touches on three steps I believe will help you manage your collection and best take advantage of this current boom.

1. Take Stock: Know What You Hold

The first step in any sound financial strategy is an accurate audit. Before we can make decisions about where to go, we must understand exactly where we stand. Many collectors accumulate items over years and often lose track of what those things are worth.

I'd suggest its high time to thoroughly review the items in your collection, check every nook and cranny in the safe, cupboards and garages to get clear on what you actually have. We're see a lot of people at the moment coming in to sell who hold a few basic types of coin that have appreciated strongly in recent times:

Proof and Mint Coins from the Royal Australian Mint (1980s): These coins were bought and set aside, they languished for many years (decades) and are now worth a lot more than they used to.

Perth Mint’s First Gold Sets (late 1980s): Early releases from the Perth Mint were bought "for the kids" and are now worth a considerable sum.

Franklin Mint Coins and Sets (1970s): Although the market for nearly all of the coins and sets made by the Franklin Mint trade for close to their melt value, that is still worth paying attention to.

Commemorative Coins from the Bicentennial and the Sydney Olympics: Those major events caused a lot of members of the general public to make one-off purchases of coins they may not have looked at for years. These are ripe for review.

Family Heirlooms: Gold and silver coins are often held in the family for generations, think of sovereigns and pre-decimal Australian silver coins, or even foreign gold and silver coins. These have grown substantially in value in recent months, but may not have been looked at for years, decades even.

These are just a few areas of items that might be overlooked and ready for a review in light of recent market trends. 

Get Clear on Current Values

Once identified, research the current market value. Don't look at the foolish figures being bandied about on Google or Youtube, use the right tool to get the right information. Check our "Valuation Tools" page to get a clear idea of what we recommend.

The $60,000 Decision: Buy, Hold, or Sell?

Once you have a clear picture what those items are worth, the next question arises: what is your next move? The answer depends entirely on your financial goals and your reading of the market cycle.

It probably won't surprise you to learn I believe the market is still unfolding and has some ways to go yet. I don't believe anyone who talks with absolute certainty about market moves, no matter what their experience or credentials. That said, the tealeaves, runes and chicken bones I've read tell me this current cycle won't end until real interest rates in the USA move up meaningfully. We're a ways off that yet for reasons that are both economic and political, but at the same time I believe the cycle will come to an end.

The Case for Buying - We're Just Getting Started

Despite high prices, some collectors see the current market as just getting started. If you believe global economic uncertainty will continue to drive demand for safe-haven assets, continuing to add to your position makes perfect sense. I know many collectors who haven't even entertained the idea of quitting yet.

The Case for Holding - I'm Set for Now

Sitting tight is the default for many, but it should be an active choice, not just because its the least stressful. If you view your collection as insurance against currency devaluation or inflation, the current price moves validate your strategy. You're holding because the asset is doing exactly what it was designed to do: preserve wealth.

The Case for Selling - I'll Leave the Madness and Excitement to Others

If your goal is to end up in front, realised profits are the only gains that count. It's not enough to be ahead in theory; cash in the bank is what matters.

A good question I always ask myself when reviewing our inventory is, "If I had the cash equivalent of coin X in my hand right now, would I buy this exact coin at today's price?" If the answer's no, it's usually a good sign that now is the right time to sell.

An Exit Strategy: Planning A Departure Point and Process

It's a cliche that hope is not a strategy. The most common mistake I see collectors make is that they fail to define an exit point. They watch prices rise, feel wealthy on paper, and ride the curve all the way back down when the market comes off. It can be an uncomfortable question but is worth asking - what value does gold need to have before you'll sell? Where does silver need to be before you'll agree it's time to get out?

It aslo helps to think in advance about major life events. Retirement, death, moving home, buying a house or travelling overseas are all milestones that might cause someone to re-appraise the collection they have.

Understand the Mechanics of Selling - Theory and Practice

There's a quote attributed to Yogi Berra that I love - "In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is." I see 99% of collectors who don't learn how the market actually works until it comes time to sell - they learn that their theories and assumptions aren't accurate at the worst possible time.

There are numerous ways to exit a coin or collection in 2026 - selling individually online; selling via a dealer; consigning to an auction or taking them to the Mint or a bullion dealer. Each of those methods involves a different set of tasks to get ready and execute well, it's best to get clear on them well in advance.

The "Fire Drill" Test is this: do you know exactly which dealer you would call tomorrow if you needed to sell? How long will it take? How do they pay? Do you need to get it to them or will the collect it?

Getting across these mental hurdles in advance will ensure you can exit smoothly when your time is right.

Even though we're in a bullish phase at the moment, we need to acknowledge that the market cycle will eventually turn; it always does. I regularly see the collectors who profit most are those who prepared for the shift long before it happens. When was the last time you reviewed what you have? If you'd like some professional help, do get in touch with us.