The Perth Mint is one of the world's best-known mints and refineries. Situated in Perth, it operates under the complete ownership of the Government of Western Australia. The establishment produces high-quality bullion coins, collectible proofs, gold bars, and commemorative and numismatic coins, alongside refining gold, silver, and recycled gold.
History of the Perth Mint
Australia experienced its first wave of gold rushes in the late 1800s. This period in New South Wales and Victoria sparked the establishment of branch mints of the Royal Mint of the British Empire in Sydney and Melbourne, dedicated to producing gold Sovereigns. Following the discovery of significant gold deposits in Western Australia during the 1890s, the Perth Mint was founded in 1899 as another branch mint of the Royal Mint, focusing initially on producing gold Sovereigns until 1931.
In 1970, ownership of the mint shifted from the British Government to the Western Australian Government, leading to the mint and refinery being renamed the 'Western Australian Mint.' Subsequently, in 1986, the mint launched GoldCorp Australia, a marketing company tasked with promoting the mint's government-backed bullion coin program worldwide. Two years later, the Government of Western Australia established Gold Corporation, a holding company, with GoldCorp Australia and the Western Australian Mint as subsidiaries.
In 1998, the 'Western Australian Mint' initiated a joint venture with Golden West Refining Corp, forming Australian Gold Refineries (AGR). The Perth Mint subsequently transferred all its precious metals refining and production operations to this new venture. By 2002, AGR merged with Johnson Matthey's precious metals refining operations, forming AGR Matthey. Finally, in 2010, Perth Mint assumed full ownership of AGR Matthey, consolidating all its refining operations and assets under its control.
Australian Gold Kangaroo
Introduced in 1986 under the name Australian Gold Nugget, the Australian Gold Kangaroo changed from showcasing raw gold nuggets to featuring diverse depictions of kangaroos annually, starting in 1990. Crafted from .9999 pure 24 karat gold, this series offers a range of denominations, from the diminutive 1/10 oz Gold Kangaroo to the substantial 1 oz Gold Kangaroo, alongside the intermediate ¼ oz and ½ oz Gold Kangaroo Coins.
Australian Silver Kangaroo
The inception of Silver Kangaroo coins dates back to 1993. Following the tradition of the Gold Kangaroo, these coins exhibit a fresh kangaroo design annually. Crafted from .9999 pure silver, they hold a cherished status among global investors. Notably, in 2018, an authentication feature was introduced, a micro-engraved 'A' hidden within the third 'A' in Australia. These coins are minted only in the 1 oz denomination.
Australian Silver Kookaburra
The Australian Silver Kookaburra is a distinguished series originating in 1990 from the esteemed Perth Mint. This collection marked the mint's inaugural venture into silver coinage, showcasing the iconic native kookaburra bird. Crafted from .999 fine silver, these coins boast limited mintage, elevating their status as coveted assets.
Available in various sizes, from the 1 oz Silver Kookaburra Coin to the larger 10 oz Silver Australian Kookaburra and even a substantial 1kg Australian Silver Kookaburra, these pieces offer diverse investment opportunities.
Australian Silver Koala
Following suit is the Australian Silver Koala series, introduced in 2007 as a charming tribute to Australia's beloved koala. Like its predecessor, the series gets a new design each year adorning the reverse side of the coin. Crafted with either 99.9% or 99.99% purity silver, these coins come in various denominations, from the 1 oz Australian Koala to the hefty 1 kg Koala Silver Coin.
Australian Platinum Platypus
In the realm of precious metals, the Platinum Platypus stands as a pioneer. It was introduced in 2011. Struck from .9995 pure platinum, these coins are available solely in a 1 oz denomination.
Perth Mint Lunar Series
Enter the enchanting world of the Perth Mint's Lunar Series, among its most sought-after collections. Each year brings a new design featuring one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. Commencing with Lunar Series I in 1996 and continuing with Lunar Series II in 2008, the tradition persists with Lunar Series III, launched in 2020 to coincide with a fresh Chinese lunar cycle.
Offered in both gold and silver, the Lunar Series captivates with its meticulous craftsmanship. The Gold Lunar Series boasts a purity of 99.99%, while the Silver Lunar Series shines with 99.9% purity. From the majestic 10 oz Lunar III Gold Rabbit to the intricate 2 oz Lunar III Silver Dragon, these coins, available in various denominations, offer a glimpse into cultural and numismatic heritage.
Perth Mint gold bars
In addition to its impressive selection of exquisite silver and gold coins, the Perth Mint also produces high-quality gold bullion bars suitable for investment. Crafted from .9999 pure 24-karat gold, these bars proudly display the Perth Mint’s iconic swan logo on the front. On the reverse side, you'll find a striking design showcasing a leaping kangaroo. Among the Perth Mint’s gold bar offerings are the 1 oz Perth Mint Gold Cast Bar and the 100g Perth Mint Gold Bar.
