The Perth Mint, located in Western Australia, recently celebrated its 125th anniversary on June 20, 2024. This special occasion marked an important milestone for the Mint, which has a rich history as a leading producer of gold coins and precious metals. Let’s explore the exciting celebrations, special coin release, and the Mint’s contributions over the years.
| Event Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Date of Celebration | June 20, 2024 |
| Founded | 1899 |
| Location | Perth, Western Australia |
| Significant Achievements | – Australia’s oldest working mint – Refines 80% of Australia’s newly mined gold – Produced over 19 million coins in 2022-2023 |
| Special Activities | – Mint-shaped birthday cake – Pouring of a 125th anniversary-branded gold bar – Selfie opportunities at the gold shimmer wall – Historic memorabilia display from 1899 |
| Special Coin Release | Limited mintage 125th anniversary Australia Sovereign 2024 proof gold coin |
| Coin Design | Modern reimagining of the St. George and the dragon design |
| Giveaway | Drawing for a Perth Mint Golden Ticket, which includes lifetime Gold Tour access and other prizes |
| Notable Guests | Neil Rogers (longest-serving employee) and Chloe Hersey (newest employee) |
| Tourist Attraction | The Perth Mint exhibition and Gold Tour opened in 1993 |
| Community Impact | Contributions to the Western Australian community through refining gold and exporting minted products |
A Day of Celebration
On June 20, the Perth Mint hosted a day full of festivities. The Mint opened its iconic green doors in 1899 and has been creating a legacy as a gold refiner and producer of high-quality coins ever since. In the fiscal year 2022-2023, the Mint produced more than 19 million coins. It is known as Australia’s oldest working mint and refines almost 80% of the country’s newly mined gold.
Visitors enjoyed several activities to mark this anniversary. They shared a special Mint-shaped birthday cake, watched a 125th anniversary-branded gold bar being poured during a tour, took selfies at the gold shimmer wall, and viewed historic memorabilia from 1899, which was on display for the first time.
Additionally, guests could take a free rickshaw ride from the city center to the Mint and enjoy a complimentary sweet treat before their tour.
Special Coin Release
The celebration also included the release of a limited edition 125th anniversary Australia Sovereign 2024 proof gold coin. This coin honors the original gold sovereigns produced at the Mint until 1931. The design is a modern version of the classic St. George and the dragon design.
Visitors also had a chance to enter a drawing to win a Perth Mint Golden Ticket, which offers lifetime entry to the Gold Tour, a 125th anniversary coin collection, a $125 gift voucher, a personalized opal medallion, and the opportunity to hold a freshly poured gold bar.
Recognizing the People Behind the Mint
During the celebration, the birthday cake was cut by the Mint’s longest-serving employee, Neil Rogers, and one of the newest employees, Chloe Hersey. Rogers, who is the manager of coining and production, has worked at the Mint for 38 years. He started as a general laborer in 1986.
“I’m so proud to be a part of this occasion. It was fantastic seeing everybody celebrating our 125 years today,” Rogers said. “I usually just like to get on with my job without any fuss, but this has been great. I’ve loved it.”
Hersey, who recently joined the Mint as the supervisor of visitor services, expressed her amazement at the number of tourists visiting from all around the world. “It’s incredible to see people from diverse backgrounds and cultures come together with a shared interest in our products and the history of minting,” she said.
The Legacy of Perth Mint
Over its 125 years, the Perth Mint has played a vital role in the Western Australian community. It has refined gold and exported value-added coins and minted bars around the globe. By combining traditional skills with the latest technology, the Mint has become Australia’s largest fully integrated precious metals enterprise.
Originally, the Perth Mint opened as a branch of Britain’s Royal Mint. However, since 1970, it has been owned by the Western Australian Government, serving the people of Western Australia.
In recent years, the Mint has become one of Perth’s most popular tourist attractions. The exhibition and Gold Tour opened in 1993 at its heritage premises, allowing visitors to learn more about its fascinating history.
Conclusion
The Perth Mint’s 125th anniversary is not just a celebration of its past but a look toward the future. As Australia’s oldest working mint, it continues to innovate while honoring its rich history. From its special coin release to its role in the community, the Perth Mint has made a significant impact. Whether you are a collector or a tourist, visiting the Perth Mint offers a unique glimpse into the world of precious metals and the art of minting.
The celebrations and the new coin remind us of the importance of preserving history while embracing new opportunities. The Perth Mint will likely remain a beacon of pride for Australia and a key player in the global minting industry for many more years to come.
FAQs
1. What is the Perth Mint?
The Perth Mint is Australia’s oldest working mint, founded in 1899. It specializes in refining gold and producing high-quality coins and precious metal products.
2. When did the Perth Mint celebrate its 125th anniversary?
The Perth Mint celebrated its 125th anniversary on June 20, 2024.
3. What special activities were held during the anniversary celebration?
The celebration included a Mint-shaped birthday cake, the pouring of a 125th anniversary-branded gold bar, selfies at a gold shimmer wall, and a display of historic memorabilia from 1899.
4. Was there a special coin released for the anniversary?
Yes, a limited edition 125th anniversary Australia Sovereign 2024 proof gold coin was released. It features a modern design inspired by the original St. George and the dragon coin.
5. Who cut the anniversary cake?
The cake was cut by Neil Rogers, the Mint’s longest-serving employee, and Chloe Hersey, one of the newest employees.