Wheat Sheaf on Australia's first coin of New Year
Sunday 1 January 2012
One of the nation's most beloved pre-decimal coin designs, the Wheat Sheaf, has been used for the traditional coin strike on New Year's Day at the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra, making the $1 coin one of the first struck in the world in 2012.
Originally appearing on the threepence from 1938 to 1964, the Royal Australian Mint has returned to this familiar design to recognise one of Australia's longest running industries.
"This new $1 wheat sheaf coin design continues our celebration in 2012 of Australian wheat and the role it played in the development of modern Australia," said Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Australian Mint Mr Ross MacDiarmid.
The collectible coins all bear a 'C' for Canberra mark, which shows that they were made on the visitors press at the Mint in Canberra, making these coins a memento to keep forever that will also be sought after by many collectors.
"This longstanding tradition is one of the most anticipated events of the year for Australian coin collectors, who have reported that they have lined up over night for the opportunity to be amongst the first to get their hands on this coin," said Mr Ross MacDiarmid.
"The dies in the gallery press were changed to the 'Wheat Sheaf' design on New Year's Eve, giving one lucky visitor to the Mint on New Year's Day the rare opportunity to strike one of the very first collector coins in the world for 2012."
"The following 99 visitors who make a coin on the visitor press will also take home a special prize and certificate proving they were some of the first people in the world to make a coin in 2012 at the Royal Australian Mint."
For more information about the Royal Australian Mint or an image of the Wheat Sheaf Dollar please visit www.ramint.gov.au or contact below.
For media enquiries contact:
Michelle Balaz
0418 164 769
| Coin | Description | Download |
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2012 $1 Silver Proof Wheat Sheaf |
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2012 $1 Unc Wheat Sheaf Dollar |
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2012 $1 Silver Proof Wheat Sheaf Packaging |