A $1 coin may be good for a few minutes of parking in most Australian cities today, but once upon a time it was enough to dine like a king, a 40-year-old school canteen list has revealed.
The 1978 list of prices shows how a gold coin could get you a devon sandwich, sausage roll, jam doughnut and flavoured milk with two cents to spare.
Old school favourites such as Vegemite sandwiches, lamingtons and custard tarts could all be purchased for less than 30 cents each, the list posted to Reddit shows.
A 40-year-old canteen list from an Australian school (pictured) shows how Vegemite sandwiches, lamingtons and custard tarts could all be purchased for less than 30 cents each
A gold coin could buy a devon sandwich, sausage roll, jam doughnut (stock image) and flavoured milk with two cents to spare
Meanwhile, bizarre spaghetti, baked beans and banana sandwiches were also on the menu for similar prices.
But arguably the most peculiar feature of the menu, was the listing of pies and hot dogs under the ‘cakes’ menu.
The dirt-cheap prices had some Reddit users in disbelief, with one person saying: ‘I was just about to ask if this was pre-Decimal.’
‘It’s interesting to note not just how much prices have raised, but also what sorts of food were made available to children in 1978,’ another said.
Arguably the most peculiar feature of the menu, was the listing of pies and hot dogs under the ‘cakes’ menu
The menu is in stark contrast to what’s on offer today at independently-owned canteen Grounded, with tapioca pudding for $3.30 on their menu (pictured)
The menu is a far cry to what’s being made available to some students today, with one elite all-ages school offering smashed avocado on artisan sourdough bread, and vegan coconut yoghurt.
Independently-owned canteen Grounded, at Northern Beaches Christian School, in Sydney’s far north, provides a stark contrast to the lunchtime offerings of yesteryear with their gourmet options.
Tapioca pudding for $3.30, Vietnamese rice paper rolls for $7.50, and lentil wraps for $8 all feature on their summer menu.
The entire ‘cakes’ menu from the 1978 canteen could be purchased for the same price of a $4 sushi roll at Grounded today.