Celebrating 125 Years of Australian Coinage Excellence
The Perth Mint in 1936. Image: The Perth Mint
Explore the rich history of coin minting in Western Australia, where the Perth Mint, established over 125 years ago in the heart of the state's capital, stands as a cornerstone of Australia's fascinating currency legacy. From its origins during the gold rush to today's iconic Kangaroo, Kookaburra, and Koala coins, it remains a symbol of quality and tradition, celebrating its anniversary with special editions and a unique mintmark.
125 Years of Coinage Legacy: The Remarkable History of The Perth Mint
Image: The Perth Mint
Western Australia holds a distinguished position in the annals of coin minting, with a legacy spanning 125 years. The Perth Mint, nestled in the state's capital, has been a cornerstone of Australia's captivating currency heritage since its inception. The Mint owes its existence to the remarkable gold discoveries of the 1890s in Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie, situated around 600 kilometers east of Perth. These discoveries paved the way for the establishment of The Perth Mint, with its earliest coins crafted from Western Australian gold, producing 22-carat sovereigns.
The Perth Mint opened on 20 June 1899 at the height of the Western Australian gold rush. Refining the gold and striking 106 million sovereigns over the next three decades, it contributed significantly to Australia's circulating coinage between 1940 and 1984.
Renowned for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship, The Perth Mint redirected its focus in 1986 to producing precious metals collector and bullion coins and minted products. Today, collectors and investors worldwide eagerly seek the prestigious Australian Kangaroo coin series, along with the companion Australian Koala and Kookaburra coins and a range of other limited release numismatic releases.
The Perth Mint’s ambitious program of gold and silver collectible products for fans of modern numismatics took off in the early years of the new millennium. Embracing its Perth heritage, the Mint resurrected its historic 'P' mintmark, with the 'P125' insignia commemorating its 125th anniversary in 2024, a testament to its enduring legacy.
Every step of the way, from coming up with ideas to bringing them to life, The Perth Mint pours careful attention into design, tooling and minting process in Perth. This dedication ensures that every coin carries the unmistakable stamp of artistry and quality that defines The Perth Mint.
In January 2024, The Perth Mint embarked on a new chapter by minting coins featuring the Effigy of King Charles III, utilizing the official Commonwealth Effigy designed by The Royal Mint with Royal Approval.
Coin Profiling
The Perth Mint's 125th Anniversary 2024 1oz Silver Typeset. Image: The Perth Mint
As The Perth Mint celebrates its historic 125th anniversary, iconic Australian fauna – the Kangaroo, Kookaburra, and Koala – serve as inspiration for commemorative pieces. Classic interpretations of each animal are artistically arranged among golden wattle, Australia’s official floral emblem. The 'P125' mintmark proudly declares the rich heritage of The Perth Mint, tracing back to Victorian times, while anniversary dates gracefully adorn a scroll at the bottom of the design. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that each coin not only celebrates the Mint's history but also becomes a treasured memento for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
“This carefully considered design conveys the uniqueness of Australia through its symbolic wildlife in a way that is exclusive to The Perth Mint. The animal imagery relates to the coin series for which we are most famous worldwide. Represented among intricate sprigs of wattle as part of a pleasingly balanced overall composition, the artist’s work will long be cherished as a significant reminder of this milestone moment in the history of Australian coin production.”
The Perth Mint's 125th Anniversary 2024 2oz Silver Gilded Coin. Image: The Perth Mint
