There’s A New 50 Cent Coin With A Cryptic Code On It – And The Government Wants You To Crack It

Can you make cents of this? 🕵️

To celebrate its 75^th anniversary, the Australian Signals Directory (one of our spy agencies) has released a special 50 cent coin with a cryptic code inscribed on it.

It’s literally a crypto-currency.

To commemorate our #75YearsOfASDHistory, today we are excited to unveil a limited edition 50c commemorative coin. The coin, designed in collaboration with @RoyalAustMint will be a keepsake for years to come. Learn more about our anniversary coin at https://t.co/zdWpcQP8IG pic.twitter.com/DiHIaOi5c1

— Australian Signals Directorate (@ASDGovAu) September 1, 2022

The code is buried beneath four layers of encryption, and the agency says anyone who has the mettle to crack the code could make a good recruit.

The ASD said each layer is progressively harder to solve, so get out your magnifying glass, it’s gonna be a long day.

The Australian Mint has made 50,000 coins to mark the anniversary – they aren’t actually made for circulation, so you can buy them from the Australian mint itself.

ASD Director-General Rachel Noble told the ABC it’s an interesting way for them to celebrate the anniversary, and potentially pick up some new recruits.

“We thought this was a really fun way to engage people in code-breaking with the hope that, if they make it through all four levels of coding on the coin, maybe they'll apply for a job at the Australian Signals Directorate.”

So, if you reckon you’ve got a bit of James Bond in you, grab a coin and get sleuthing.

We’ve got to say, it’s a pretty mint way of celebrating the anniversary.