Sydney's Famous Mint Remembered for Contribution to the Development of Australia

24th November 2005

Sydney's famous Mint, the site where Australia's first and original gold sovereigns were produced for the colony, from 1855 to 1926, has been commemorated with a special coin release from the Royal Australian Mint to mark the 150 birthday milestone.

The elegant colonial building on Macquarie Street, home of the Sydney Mint, has been recreated and crafted onto a solid silver coin, with the very apt depiction of the building in pure gold. The Sydney Mint building has been regarded as one of the oldest, classically detailed historic buildings in Australia.

The Royal Sydney Mint was officially opened on 14 May 1855 by Governor Sir William Denison and quickly became famous for producing Australia's first gold sovereign.

After a century and a half, while Australia's minting needs are now met by the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra, the Sydney Mint building still sits proudly in its position on Sydney's Macquarie Street.

"The Royal Sydney Mint played an important role in a young and developing country," said Dr Vivienne Thom, Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Australian Mint. "Most famous for the minting of the pure gold sovereigns, the Mint should also be remembered as the birthplace of minting in Australia. In Australia's very early years, well before we had our own mint, our country was dependent on using monies from a number of other countries. Minting our own coins very much helped in developing our national identity."

The Sydney Mint commemorative coin is minted in pure silver and is gold plated on both sides. With a limited mintage of just 10,000 coins this will be a highly sought after item and is available directly from the Royal Australian Mint for purchase by calling 1300 652 020 or visiting www.ramint.gov.au.