Bluey’s Backyard Cricket Coin Unveiled

Bluey’s backyard cricket classic is about to live forever in metal.

The Royal Australian Mint has unveiled a new $1 collector coin featuring Rusty at the crease, bat raised, as Bluey celebrates in the background – a still lifted straight from one of the most cherished episodes of the hit ABC children’s series.

It’s not legal tender for change in your pocket, but it is designed to land squarely in the hands of fans and young collectors.

A cartoon moment, cast in coin

“Are you right with a bit of spin, Rusty?” Bandit Heeler asks as Rusty steps up, that familiar mix of nerves and determination on his face.

“All good, Mr Heeler,” comes the reply.

That simple exchange, played and replayed in lounge rooms around the world, anchors the season three episode Cricket – a story that uses a backyard game to talk about resilience, family and growing up.

In the episode, Rusty’s dad writes to his son from military deployment:

“I wish I could be there to bowl a few at you, but I can’t right now, mate. But look, as you grow up, you’ll face harder things than a cricket ball, and you’ll have two choices.

“Back away and get out, or step in front and play a full shot. Just keep your eye on the ball and take care of your little sister for me.”

That message of courage and care now sits behind the design: Rusty meeting the ball, Bluey cheering him on.

Cricket, colour and collecting

The Mint’s chief executive, Emily Martin, said the decision to honour Bluey again came from the way the show has wrapped itself around two Australian staples: family and cricket.

“This colourful coin brings together the fun of cricket with the heart and humour of Bluey, celebrating the friendships, teamwork and memories that make playing together so special,” she said.

The coin will not enter general circulation. Instead, it joins a growing stable of Bluey-themed releases aimed at turning kids who love the show into kids who love coins.

Two years ago, the Mint launched its first Bluey pieces, a set that tapped into the character’s huge popularity. Earlier this year came the 2024 Bluey Dollarbucks: three bright $1 coins showing Bluey alone, the Heeler family together, and Bingo and Bluey dressed as The Grannies.

This latest run will be capped at 200,000 coins.

For a generation that learned about courage from a cartoon dog and a red-headed cricketer, that might not be nearly enough.