Honouring Mint's 40th anniversary with exhibition of Australia's golden heritage
21st February 2005
A unique opportunity to view a rare $7 million private collection of Australia's gold coins in extraordinary condition begins on 22 February 2005, exactly 40 years since the Royal Australian Mint was opened by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.
The collection, belonging to an anonymous collector referred to as the "Quartermaster", is the culmination of careful purchases at auctions around the world and has even originated from the collections of famous international figures including King Farouk of Egypt.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, The Hon Chris Pearce MP, will launch the exhibition at 10:00am and has said that he "is excited to launch this exhibition of the largest and most valuable private collection of Australian gold coins in the world. It is a privilege to commemorate the opening of the first Australian owned mint by displaying superb examples of Australia's first gold coins".
Exhibition to public opens on 22 February and runs to 31 August.
Entry is free of charge.
The Royal Australian Mint will also have public open days on 22 and 23 April to continue their anniversary celebrations.
Media Opportunity: Photo/visual footage of the launch and exhibition. Interviews available with Dr Vivienne Thom, Controller, Royal Australian Mint.
Where: Royal Australian Mint, Denison St Deakin, ACT.
Time: 10am, Tuesday, 22 February 2005