Perth Mint Australian Government Issued Coins. Where can I buy Australia coins?

Shipping Policy

Payment Methods

Secure SSL data protection during checkout

Number of Items in Your Cart:
Current TOTAL:

Return to Question Answers Menu

The Perth Mint

- Australian government coins

Question: Where does Australia produce its gold and silver coins?

Answer: To answer this question, let’s take a brief look at the history of Australian coins.

The Perth Mint of Australia

Perth Mint opened for business in 1899

Step back in time for a moment to the days when Australia was controlled by the British Empire. Several British colonies on the Australian continent joined together to form what we now know as Australia. It was during this colonial period when the Perth Mint opened (in 1899). Located in “Western Australia” it became the 3^rd branch mint of the British Royal Mint in that continent. The Sydney and Melbourne mints also existed for a while, but were eventually closed.

Original Perth Mint where coins were produced

During The Australia GOLD RUSH

The Perth Mint gains prominence

When significant gold discoveries were made in the colony a huge gold rush ensued. Like the California gold rush in the USA, large numbers of prospectors flocked to Western Australia in hopes of striking it rich.

Gold Coins and Bars Produced at the Perth Australia Mint

Those that were fortunate in finding gold would turn their gold bullion in at the Perth Mint to be refined into gold bars or minted into gold coins. During these early years the Perth Mint produced over 100 million gold coins.

Gold Standard Abandoned by Australia

During the great depression in the 1930’s the British (like the US government) abandoned the gold standard and, because gold coins were no longer legal or being used in commerce, the production of gold coins stopped. Gold was still refined at the Perth mint, but it was made into gold bars, not gold coins.

Perth Mint Copper and Silver Coins

Over time, the mint began making copper and then silver Australia government legal tender coins for commerce and to be used in circulation.

Perth Mint Ownership Changes Hands

Britain turns over the Perth Australian Mint to Australia

Until 1970 British jurisdiction controlled the mint. In 1970 ownership of the mint officially transferred to the Government of Western Australia.

Australia Treasury Gives Perth Mint New Powers

In 1987 the Australia Department of the Treasury gave the Perth Mint new powers to mint and sell silver, gold and platinum legal tender coins to other countries, individuals, and investors.

Perth Mint Makes Current Precious Metal Coins and Bars

So here we are today. The Australia Perth Mint makes legal tender coins for the Australia government. Their coins and beautiful designed precious metal bars are trusted the world over for their purity and weight. Many bullion and collector coins are minted in limited quantities, such as: Australia Nugget Kangaroo gold coins, Kookaburra and Koala silver coins, Australia Lunar Series animal coins, and various proof and uncirculated coin sets. They are also well known for their pure gold bars in various sizes, such as 1 gram, 5 gram and 10 grams. These Australia coins and gold bars can be purchased through various coin dealers, coin shows, and at auctions.

Visiting the Perth Mint

If you are ever fortunate enough to visit Australia, consider visiting the Perth Mint. You've got to see it!

In 2003 a new mint building was constructed right next the old historic mint. They provide guided tours. There you can tour the mint museum and view some of the largest gold nuggets in the world. You can also see how the mint operates and maybe even watch a traditional “gold bar pour”, where molten gold is poured into solid gold bars!

You can also visit the mint's gift shop where some of the current Australia coins and sets are sold. Older coins and bullion versions of them are often sold out. However, sometimes you can buy them from coin dealers like ourselves. Our inventory changes often and many older coins were made in limited mintages. If interested in buying some Australia silver or gold coins, please look at the following web pages for our sale prices and availability: