More Than 100 Years of Minting Excellence
The Perth Mint: A Tale of Elegance, Legacy, and Unparalleled Craftsmanship
The Perth Mint is an institution that has stood as a beacon of minting brilliance in Western Australia for over a century. Tailored for the discerning tastes of luxury-oriented coin collectors, this narrative paints a vivid picture of the milestones that have defined The Perth Mint's journey into a realm of opulence and artistry.
Originating in the visionary leadership of Sir John Forrest, Western Australia's first Premier, The Perth Mint was founded in 1899. The architectural masterpiece designed by George Temple Poole remains a testament to its colonial-era prominence.
In the years between 1899 and 1931, The Perth Mint produced a staggering 106 million gold sovereigns and nearly 735,000 half sovereigns. With the shift in global monetary standards, the mint transitioned to crafting fine gold bullion bars.
Times of Evolution
Responding to the urgencies of wartime, The Perth Mint played a vital role by producing hundreds of millions of Australian pennies and half pennies from 1940 to 1964. The coins, adorned with a distinctive kangaroo design, became cultural symbols.
A significant moment arrived in 1957 when The Perth Mint achieved the production of "arguably the purest of all gold." A proof 'plate' with almost six nines (999.999 parts of gold per thousand) garnered recognition from the prestigious Royal Mint.
Changes enabled Expansion
The transition of ownership from Britain to the Government of Western Australia in 1970 marked a significant moment. This change coincided with a new gold boom, bringing renewed interest and opportunities.
By the 1980's, the establishment of Gold Corporation in 1987, under the Gold Corporation Act, ushered in a new era. The launch of the Australian Nugget Gold Coin Series in the same year, unveiled by Prime Minister Bob Hawke, marked a historic milestone.
By 1990, to accommodate the burgeoning refining activities, a new refinery near Perth airport commenced operations in 1990. This expansion reflected the growing prominence of The Perth Mint in the precious metals industry.
The Modern Era
In 2012, The Perth Mint etched its name in history by casting the Australian Kangaroo One Tonne Gold Coin. This colossal gold coin, weighing 1,012 kilograms, secured its place in the Guinness World Records and remains a captivating attraction.
The demand for The Perth Mint's products led to the official opening of an 8,400 square meter manufacturing and commercial facility in the 2000s. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, these buildings became symbols of a century of minting excellence.
The mint's 'proof' quality collector coins featuring original Australian designs, wildlife, and cultural themes have continued to thrive in the 2020s. Programs like Australian Kangaroo, Kookaburra, Koala, and Lunar are sought after by bullion investors.
As a distinguished member of an exclusive group of world mints, The Perth Mint is renowned for its pure gold, silver, and platinum legal tender coins. The Australian Kangaroo coin series, evolving from the Australian Nugget, has achieved international acclaim.
The Perth Mint remains at the forefront of coin design, setting benchmarks, and forging new market trends. The fusion of traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology and treatments, such as color and gilding, exemplifies the mint's commitment to excellence.
At Minted Assets, we are proud to partner with the Perth Mint, and we invite you to explore their products in our catalog.