Registration for a lottery ballot for one of the most coveted items of the year opens on Monday, October 13, and it's Wackadoo! for the lucky few who win through.
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The Royal Australian Mint's Christmas Bluey Dollarbucks ornaments, or Bluey coins, are expected to attract unprecedented demand.
The coins were first released in 2024 and sold out in what the mint called a "sell-out success".
In 2025, the mint will release two $1 coins featuring Bluey and her sister, Bingo.
One version will be a coloured uncirculated coin placed in an ornament, retailing at $20.
The other will be a silver coin displayed in a bauble for $100.
You could pinch these pennies three different ways.
The first is by a ballot, which will open on October 13 at 8.30am and close on October 15 at 8.30am. To register for the ballot you need to fill in your details at the Royal Australian Mint.
A limited number of successful applicants are then contacted and allowed the opportunity to buy the coin.
You could also buy the coins at the Mint's Denison St, Deakin, shop, through the Mint contact centre and through participating authorised distributors from October 16.
How popular will they be?
Coin collector and social media personality Joel Kandiah predicted the coins would be extremely popular due to Bluey's international appeal.
"It's rare for an Australian coin release to generate worldwide hype, but the Bluey coins have well and truly entered that category," he said.
"That's why we're seeing higher mintages this time around - the Royal Australian Mint is doing its best to keep up with the frenzy."
Even Mr Kandiah admitted, while not the biggest Bluey fan, he'll still be trying to get his hands on one on October 13.
"I'd love to be the favourite uncle to my niece, so I'll definitely be trying to secure one for her," he said.
The 2024 coins sold out nationwide in just under 24 hours.
He attributed the skyrocketing interest to collectors discovering that one in every 10 tubes contained a coloured Bluey coin.
Mr Kandiah said that within a day, prices had doubled, and the coloured $1 coin was fetching up to $250 on the secondary market, and the regular coins were selling for around $10.
"Prices have since settled, probably down about 40 to 50 per cent from those early peaks," he said.
So what's the best way to get one? Ballot, over the phone or in person?
Mr Kandiah said your best chance is entering the ballot. Failing that, those looking to buy one in person might still be in with a chance.
Many authorised distributors would have them in stock.
"Check the Mint's list of official dealers and follow them on social media for updates; each [dealer] has its own release process," he said.
Mr Kandiah urged those who miss out not to panic or pay inflated prices for the coins on the second-hand market.
"Based on past releases, prices usually settle within four to six weeks, well before Christmas."
Bailey Forbes
Journalist at The Examiner covering arts, politics, court and breaking news. Send tips to bailey.forbes@austcommunitymedia.com.au
