2016 $1 Coin - Australia's First Mints

Celebrate the storied history of Australian coinage with the 2016 "Australia's First Mints" commemorative $1 coin. This collection pays tribute to the vital institutions that transformed Australia from a colony using a chaotic mix of foreign currency and rum trades into a nation with its own sovereign identity.

The reverse design honours the legacy of the 19th-century gold rush, featuring intricate elements inspired by the original Sydney Mint Sovereign—the only sovereign design unique to Australia.

Specifications

• Year of Issue: 2016
• Denomination: $1
• Metal Content: Aluminium Bronze
• Mass: 9.00g
• Diameter: 25.00mm
• Thickness: 2.50mm
• Finish: Uncirculated
• Issuer: Royal Australian Mint
• Numista Ref: N# 81220

Key Features and Design

• Reverse Design: A heritage-themed design by Aaron Baggio reflecting the intricate details of Australia’s early gold coinage.
• Obverse Portrait: Features the 4th definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley.
• Historical Significance: Commemorates the branch mints (Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth) that helped establish Australia's independent financial infrastructure.

Condition and Presentation

• Condition: Coins are in uncirculated condition, exhibiting original mint lustre and crisp detail.
• Presentation: Housed in its original official Royal Australian Mint presentation card.
• Condition Note: Original presentation cards are in good, clean condition, though they may show minor signs of wear or corner softening consistent with their age. To ensure the highest level of long-term protection, some coins may be transferred to archival-quality Mylar coin flips if the original housing has aged or become brittle.