The Mints of Australia and Their Famous Products
The minting of Australian coins is concentrated at two key facilities. These are the Royal Australian Mint, which is primarily responsible for issuing coins for domestic circulation, and the Perth Mint, which is a world leader in the production of investment coins made from precious metals.
Two Coin Minting Centers in Australia
| Mint | Specialization |
| Royal Australian Mint | The main producer of the country's regular circulating coins. |
| Perth Mint | A world leader in issuing investment coins made of gold, silver, and platinum. |
The minting of Australian coins is concentrated at two key facilities. These are the Royal Australian Mint, which is primarily responsible for issuing coins for domestic circulation, and the Perth Mint, which is a world leader in the production of investment coins made from precious metals.
Each of these Australian mints has its own unique history and specialization, making a significant contribution to numismatics and the precious metals market. Their products are valued by both collectors and investors worldwide.
The Royal Australian Mint in Canberra
The Royal Australian Mint is the country's main mint. It was opened in February 1965 and is located in the federal capital, Canberra. Since its establishment, the facility has minted all coins in circulation in Australia and is the primary producer of regular coins.
The mint's technical capabilities allow for the production of up to two million coins daily. Notably, the design of regular circulation coins has not conceptually changed since the 1960s-1980s. In addition, it produces investment and commemorative coins with original designs.
This mint was the first in the world to be accredited under the ISO 9001 international quality standards. The facility places great emphasis on quality systems, innovative technologies, as well as research and development, maintaining the high reputation of its products.
The Perth Mint: History and Specialization
The Perth Mint is Australia's oldest coin-producing facility. It was built near the Kalgoorlie gold deposit and began operations in the summer of 1899. Initially, it not only minted coins but also refined extracted gold to remove impurities.
Today, the Perth Mint is recognized as a world leader in the production of investment coins from precious metals such as silver, gold, and platinum. The mint's products are in huge demand among investors worldwide.
- Australian Kangaroo
- Lunar Calendar
- Australian Koala
Popular Series of Australian Investment Coins
| Coin | Description |
| Kangaroo | Theme introduced in the late 1980s, the design changes annually. |
| Lunar | Dedicated to the signs of the Eastern calendar, the reverse is updated every year. The obverse features the monarch's profile. |
| Kookaburra | Issued since 1990, it depicts Australia's most famous bird. |
| Koala | Minted from silver since 2007, with the purity improved to 9999 since 2018. |
| Saltwater Crocodile | Depicts the largest land predator, made of 999 fine silver. |
Australian investment coins are known for their diversity and high quality of workmanship. Each series has its unique features that attract the attention of investors and collectors.
In the late 1980s, the coin theme was changed, and the kangaroo—one of Australia's symbols—became the central image. The designs of the Kangaroo, Kookaburra, and Koala series change annually, which maintains constant interest in them. The Lunar series, dedicated to the animals of the Eastern calendar, deserves special attention.
These series are issued in high-purity metals; for example, since 2018, the Australian Koala coin has been minted from 9999 fine silver, and the Saltwater Crocodile from 999 fine silver.
The Record Holder: The World's Largest Gold Coin
In October 2011, the Perth Mint created a unique numismatic product—the largest, heaviest, and most valuable gold coin in the world. This giant specimen became a true achievement in the field of minting.
The coin has impressive characteristics and is legal tender in Australia. Its obverse features a profile of Queen Elizabeth II, and its reverse depicts a red kangaroo, the country's symbol.
- Diameter: approximately 80 cm (31 inches)
- Thickness: 12 cm (4.7 inches)
- Gold weight: 1012 kg
- Gold purity: 9999
- Face value: 1,000,000 Australian dollars
- Estimated value at the time of minting: 53.5 million dollars
This masterpiece demonstrates the highest level of craftsmanship and technical capabilities of the Perth Mint.
