Australia 1978 Frill-Necked Lizard 2 Cent Proof PCGS PR68 DCAM

• 1978 Australian 2 cent proof featuring Stuart Devlin’s frill-necked lizard
• Certified PCGS PR68 DCAM, with Deep Cameo contrast
• Arnold Machin portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse
• Bronze composition; 21.59 mm diameter and plain edge
• Individual coin in a PCGS holder, certification 30891178

Stuart Devlin’s frill-necked lizard gives the Australian two-cent piece its unmistakable silhouette, with the raised frill and curling tail arranged beside the numeral 2. On this 1978 proof, the bronze composition and Deep Cameo designation offer a different presentation from the familiar coins once found in everyday change. The opposite side bears Arnold Machin’s portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, framed by the country name and date.

Issued within the Royal Australian Mint’s 1978 six-coin proof year set, this individual example is now certified PCGS PR68 DCAM. The numerical grade describes its condition, while DCAM identifies strong contrast between frosted devices and reflective fields on both sides. For an Australian decimal collection centred on design and carefully graded proof coinage, add this frill-necked lizard at FORTYMILLION.

Specifications

The supplied PCGS population snapshot records 29 at PR68 DCAM as at 28 October 2026. This is a grading-report count, not the original mintage or the total number of surviving coins. Population figures can change and do not establish that only 29 examples exist. View the PCGS Population Report for Australian 2 cent proofs (opens in a new tab).

The two-cent denomination was introduced with decimal currency on 14 February 1966. Withdrawal from circulation commenced in February 1992. This coin is a collector proof, distinct from the circulation issue. Read the Royal Australian Mint’s two-cent history and nominal specifications or view the 1978 proof-set reference (links open in new tabs).

Understanding Cameo and Deep Cameo

Cameo describes the visual contrast between frosted design elements, also called devices, and reflective fields, the flatter background areas. It is separate from the numerical grade: PR68 describes condition, while DCAM describes contrast.

Read the PCGS explanation of designations (opens in a new tab).

The Sheldon Grading Scale

The Sheldon Grading Scale is a 70-point numerical system used by grading services such as PCGS and NGC to assess coin condition. Originally developed for early United States large cents, it was later adapted for wider numismatic use. Not every integer is assigned a grade. These summaries are adapted from PCGS standards; grade 68 is highlighted for this PR68 DCAM coin.

MS means Mint State, describing condition without circulation wear. PR (PCGS) or PF denotes Proof, a method of manufacture, not an automatic claim of perfect condition. Proof coins can show wear and receive lower numerical grades. Handling or bag marks alone do not establish circulation wear. Read the PCGS grading standards (opens in a new tab).

Q. What does PR68 DCAM mean?
A. PR identifies a proof, 68 is its numerical condition grade, and DCAM means Deep Cameo contrast. Grade and contrast are separate assessments.

Q. Is this a silver coin?
A. No. It is bronze, composed of 97% copper, 2.5% zinc and 0.5% tin.

Q. Does PR68 mean flawless?
A. No. Slight imperfections are permitted under the grading standards. Proof manufacture does not guarantee grade 70.

Q. Is the complete 1978 proof set included?
A. No. This listing is for one individually PCGS-graded 2 cent proof coin.

Q. How many were issued?
A. Numista and Coins and Australia report 38,513 for the 1978 proof-set issue. Other published figures differ, so this listing does not present that figure as an independently verified exact production total or as a PCGS population.