Year 2000 1 dollar coin error originating from the Royal Australian Mint

In 2003, Australian coin enthusiasts became aware of a significant error originating from the Royal Australian Mint,” explained Mr. Kandiah.

A batch of $1 coins minted in the year 2000 had been mistakenly produced using the wrong obverse die, the side featuring the head. 

These coins, astonishingly, entered circulation without the error being noticed for a year or two.” Mr. Kandiah highlighted that these rare 2000 $1 coins, referred to as ‘mules,’ were struck with the Australian 10-cent obverse die. 

Due to the mere 1.4mm difference in diameter between the 10-cent and $1 coin, this peculiar mistake resulted in the creation of the legendary 2000 $1 ‘mule’ coin,” he explained.

Source: 26 Sept 2023 The Australian