A limited collector coin replicating the design of the historical Sydney Cove Medallion has been unveiled at the Museum of Sydney by Lord Wedgwood of Barlaston, the seventh generation descendant of Josiah Wedgwood, whose company created the original Medallion in 1789.
Struck by The Perth Mint from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver and issued as official Australian legal tender, the coin features a special ‘high relief’ representation of the celebrated Medallion’s allegorical design portraying ‘time’s opening scenes’ in the colony of New South Wales.
With four classical figures on the shores of a bay, the scene was called Hope encouraging Art and Labour under the influence of Peace to pursue the employments necessary to give security and happiness to the infant colony. Beneath the figures in raised lettering was inscribed ETRURIA 1789, the name of Wedgwood’s Staffordshire factory ...
Full Article: Sydney Cove Medallion Coin - CoinNews
The space shuttle Columbia was hailed as a great achievement when it first launched into orbit on April 12, 1981. The relatively short 54 hour mission was the culmination of decades of planning, research, design and funding that led to NASA’s first reusable space vehicle.
In honor of this momentous occasion, The Perth Mint of Australia has released the 2010 First Space Shuttle 1oz Silver Orbital Coin.
Named after the American Revolutionary War era ship of the same name (which had the distinction of being the first American vessel to circumnavigate the globe), Columbia’s construction began six years before its initial launch ...
Full Article: Perth Mint's First Space Shuttle Orbital Silver Coin - CoinNews
The 1/2 oz Silver Proof Leafy Sea Dragon coin marks the second issue in the Australian Sea Life series. Available now from the Perth Mint, each coin provides a glimpse into the beautiful underwater world surrounding Australia.
With the land 'Down Under' hosting some of the most pristine reef environments on the globe, it is no wonder that some of the most beautiful and unique creatures known to man would be indigenous to this environment. The Leafy Sea Dragon is just one example.
A relative of the better known seahorse, the Leafy Sea Dragons are only ...
Full Article: Silver Leafy Sea Dragon Coin - SilverCoinsToday.com
Coin blanks are imported by the Royal Australian Mint in huge 44 gallon drums pre cut ready to be fed straight into the presses. These huge drums of blanks are moved around the mint by the "Titan" robot seen here (I'm trying to paint a picture in your head). Factories overseas process strips of metal and cut out the coin blanks for many countries right around the world, with some companies producing blanks for more than one country.
Fast forward now to newly pressed one dollar coins leaving the RAM in bags to the Armaguard facility to be rolled into manageable $20 lots before distribution to banks and major ...
Full Article: Exciting New Australian Dollar Coin Discovery - Australian Threepence Dot Com
In the lead-up to Australia Day, the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, announced the design of the newest coin to go into the hands of Australians.
Commemorating and celebrating Australia Day and designed by the Royal Australian Mint in consultation with the National Australia Day Council, this 50 cent coin marks the spirit of this significant national celebration and will soon be available around the country.
Full Article: 2010 Australia Day Coins Launch - CoinNews
To celebrate a 3,250 kilometer expedition to cross Australia’s frontier back in 1860, both mints from Australia have released commemorative coins.
The Royal Australian Mint issued the 2010 Burke and Wills Expedition 150th Anniversary 20c and $1 Australian Coins. In further celebration, The Perth Mint of Australia is commemorating the historic journey with its own 2010 Burke & Wills Anniversary Silver Proof Coin. These coins serve as a reminder of the daring and tragic story behind the expedition.
By the mid-1800’s, Australia had become a magnet to well-educated individuals seeking to become wealthy in the booming gold industry of the Melbourne area. One of the by-products of this influx of professionals was the creation of the Royal Society of Victoria, a group dedicated to scientific advancement. Almost immediately, the ...
Full Article: Two Australian Mints Launch Burke & Wills Expedition Coins - CoinNews
The Royal Australian Mint on January 1, 2010, revealed new $1 coins celebrating a century of Australian coinage. Marking the unique anniversary is a historic reverse design featuring four heads for the very first time.
Portrayed are the monarchs that have appeared on Australian coins during the past one hundred years — King Edward VII (1901-1910), King George V (1910-1936), King George VI (1936-1952) and Queen Elizabeth II (1952-present).
"This commemoration is a significant milestone in Australia’s history," said Royal Australian Mint Acting Chief Executive Officer Graham Smith. "Along with the new Government and Constitution, the change in 1910, from the British monetary system to our own, heralded the unity and budding independence of our young nation. And this is what we are celebrating in 2010."
While collectors from around the world can purchase a $1 silver proof coin for...
Full Article: 2010 Australian Coins Mark 100th Year - CoinNews
For collectors wanting a chance at a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to strike the last 2009 coin, or the first 2010 coin, the Royal Australian Mint is the place to be on the final day of this year and the first day of next year.
With the new year approaching, the Mint is planning to unveil its latest mintmark design on January 1st. Before that happens, however, one lucky individual will be given the chance at striking a coin for history. On December 31st, beginning at 3 PM ...
Full Article: Coin Strike Raffle by Royal Australian Mint - CoinNews
In a ceremony at the Australia Zoo, the newest coin in the Royal Australian Mint's Inspirational Australians collector coin series was officially released in November.
Celebrating the life and impact of perhaps Australia's best known son, the 2009 $1 Inspirational Australian Steve Irwin Uncirculated Coin was launched with the help of his wife Terri Irwin, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Australian Mint Graham Smith, and some of the creatures that inhabit the Zoo.
"Steve would have been so proud to see his work elevated to yet another level. His efforts in conservation recognized on a national coin! We are all very proud of him," said Terri Irwin, Steve's wife.
Steve Irwin was the host of the popular television series Crocodile Hunter and a life-long naturalist and conservationist. He died unexpectedly at age 44 when he was pierced in the chest with the spine of a stingray while snorkeling. [click to continue…]