The Story of The Perth Mint: Australian Mint and the Kangaroo Coin
The Perth Mint is behind one of the world's most popular investment coins – the Australian Kangaroo – as well as the collector-favourite Australian Lunar series. Behind this Australian brand lies a history of more than a hundred years, closely tied to the gold rushes of Western Australia. Let's take a look at the story of Australia's state mint.
Who is The Perth Mint
The Perth Mint is an Australian mint based in Perth, the capital of Western Australia. It is operated by Gold Corporation and is wholly owned by the Government of Western Australia. It ranks among the world's most respected producers of investment gold and silver, combining government-backed trust with a long minting tradition.
Born from the gold rush
The Perth Mint was founded in 1899 as a branch of the British Royal Mint. Its task was to process and coin the gold discovered in the extensive deposits found during the Western Australian gold rushes of the 1890s, particularly around Kalgoorlie. In 1970 the mint passed into the ownership of the Government of Western Australia and became a fully independent institution. This link to actual gold mining gives the brand exceptional authenticity.
Australian Kangaroo – the flagship coin
The Perth Mint's most famous investment product is the Australian Kangaroo coin, first struck in 1989. It features a kangaroo, an iconic symbol of Australia, with the design changing on some annual issues. The mint also produces the collector-favourite Australian Lunar series, featuring designs from the Chinese zodiac. If you'd like to compare, it's also worth reading about the Wiener Philharmoniker or the Britannia, two of the world's best-known investment coins.
Quality, purity and LBMA
Gold Australian Kangaroo coins have a purity of 999.9/1000 Au. The Perth Mint (Gold Corporation) is listed on the LBMA Good Delivery lists for both gold and silver – a global benchmark for quality and responsible sourcing of precious metals. For investors, this means high recognisability and easy tradability worldwide.
The Perth Mint at GOLDU
In our range you'll find new investment gold Australian Kangaroo coins in several weights – such as the 1/10 Oz and 1/2 Oz Australian Kangaroo – as well as the silver 1 Oz Australian Kangaroo. From the Lunar series we offer the 1 Oz Australian Lunar II – Year of the Monkey. You can browse the full range in the Australian Kangaroo series.
Frequently asked questions
Where is The Perth Mint based?
In Perth, the capital of Western Australia. It is operated by Gold Corporation and is wholly owned by the Government of Western Australia.
How old is The Perth Mint?
It was founded in 1899 as a branch of the British Royal Mint to process gold from the Western Australian gold rushes. It has been an independent, state-owned institution since 1970.
What does the Australian Kangaroo coin depict?
A kangaroo, an iconic symbol of Australia. The coin has a purity of 999.9/1000 Au and is part of GOLDU's range of investment gold and silver.
Conclusion
The Perth Mint combines more than a hundred years of history rooted in Australia's gold rushes, state ownership and one of the world's most popular investment coins. The Australian Kangaroo coin is therefore not just an investment in gold, but also a piece of Australian history. Browse our range of investment gold and investment silver at GOLDU.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment or tax advice. Precious metal prices fluctuate, and past performance is no guarantee of future returns. More in our Risk Disclosure document.
