The Perth Mint is Australia's oldest mint. Its origins date back to 1899. At that time, it was established as one of the branches of The Royal Mint (alongside refineries in Sydney and Melbourne, which are no longer in operation). The initiator was the then Premier of Western Australia, Sir John Forrest, who, anticipating the growing importance of gold, lobbied for the Royal Mint to operate in this part of the continent. On August 23, 1897, he laid the cornerstone for the construction of a refinery in Perth. It operated there until 1990. However, its activities outgrew its original headquarters, and it was decided to build a new refinery. Today, the old building, designed by George Temple Poole and one of the most impressive monuments of the colonial era in Perth, houses a museum.
The Perth Mint remained under British jurisdiction until July 1, 1970, when ownership was transferred to the Government of Western Australia.
In 1987, the Gold Corporation was established under the Gold Corporation Act to launch an official bullion coin program.
In 1940, the demand for circulation coins in Australia exceeded the capacity of the Melbourne Mint, and The Perth Mint was asked to assist. Between 1940 and 1964, hundreds of millions of Australian pennies and halfpennies were produced there, featuring kangaroo motifs and images of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II. In 1946 alone, 1.3 million shillings were minted.
In 1957, craftsmen at The Perth Mint managed to achieve "probably the purest of all" gold – according to the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths in London, it was almost six nines (999,999 parts gold per thousand). It was a remarkable feat, which was even recognized by the Royal Mint, which ordered some of the gold as a benchmark for its own standards.
The Perth Mint are true masters of coin series. They have been developing several collections for years, dating back to the last century and the beginning of this one. These include both bullion and collector coins. With the most demanding collectors in mind, this mint also produces proof coins, which are of the highest possible standard and feature exceptional attention to detail. Perth produces not only gold coins, but also silver and platinum coins.
The most famous series in the world is, of course, the Australian Kangaroo, which dates back to 1987. However, this animal was not the hero from the very beginning.
On April 23 of that year, a series of Australian gold bullion coins called Nuggets was launched. On the first day of issue, 155,000 ounces of gold worth AUD 103 million were sold. It is worth mentioning that the forecasts assumed 130,000 ounces, but by the end of June. However, it was decided to change the characters on the coin, and thus the most famous symbol of Australian fauna, the kangaroo, appeared on it.
The popularity of these coins continues to this day. They are among the most famous and recognizable coins, alongside the Canadian Maple Leaf, Krugerrand, and Vienna Philharmonic. In 2022, the 1-ounce Australian Kangaroocoin was the most popular gold product at the Mint. Its uniqueness among leading bullion coins is highlighted by the fact that each issue is a new design, which also makes it attractive to collectors.
However, Australian Kangaroo is not the only program run by The Perth Mint.
The Lunar series is also extremely popular. These coins are inspired by the Chinese calendar and zodiac signs. Each year, they feature a different animal on the reverse. We are celebrating 2023 as the Year of the Rabbit.
This series was launched in 1996. Since there are 12 signs of the zodiac, every 12 years the mint begins a new installment of the series. This means that we are now halfway through the Lunar III series.
Bullion coins from the Lunar series are an attractive investment option, but due to their changing reverse designs and long tradition, they also remain of interest to collectors. Collector's editions and proof versions, i.e., coins with the highest standard of finish, are produced with collectors in mind.
It is worth mentioning that, according to tradition, the animal – the zodiac sign – patronizes people born in a given year, who are attributed specific characteristics and predispositions resulting from this patronage. That is why coins from the Lunar series are often given as gifts to celebrate a birth or an important anniversary in a given year.
The Mint also produces the Australian Kookaburra and Australian Koala series.
The series featuring the kookaburra has been developed since 1990. This animal is a member of the kingfisher family and is considered synonymous with the Australian bush. Coins bearing the image of this laughing bird, as it is often called due to the sounds it makes, are a real treat for collectors, as the mint produces a different reverse design each year. The kookaburra appears on both bullion and collector coins, as well as in proof standard.
The koala investment coin series has a much shorter history. The first coin was issued in 2007. Since then, the Australian Mint has continued the series, surprising collectors every year with a new image of the marsupial on the reverse.
The Perth Mint produces a wide range of collector coins. Its designs are inspired by the animal world and pop culture. It also draws on significant cultural events and historical themes, producing coins commemorating wars, battles, kings, and queens.
However, The Perth Mint is not only about coins, but also bullion bars. The mint produces bars ranging in size from 1 gram to 10 ounces (311 g). It strives to make them small works of art. Each bar features a logo, engravings, and selective matting for a more elegant look. Of course, each bar is enclosed in a CertiCard package, which serves as the bar's certificate. It is worth noting that the quality of The Perth Mint's products is endorsed by the Government of Western Australia.
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