The Royal Australian Mint (the Mint) is Australia’s national mint and sole producer of circulating coins for the country. It is also the custodian of the National Coin Collection and plays a role in telling the stories of Australia by recognising significant anniversaries, events and organisations through coins.
The Mint officially opened in Canberra in 1965. Its first tasks were to produce distinctively Australian coinage and facilitate a smooth changeover from British imperial pounds, shillings and pence to Australia’s own decimal dollars and cents. Australia’s decimal coins were introduced in 1966.
Today, the Mint also produces circulating coins for other countries, and manufactures a vast array of collector coins, investor products, medals, medallions, and tokens for domestic and international clients.
As the custodian of the National Coin Collection, the Mint is uniquely responsible for collecting and preserving a representative record of Australian coinage for future generations. In recognition of its heritage value and special place in the nation’s history, the Mint building is a Commonwealth Heritage List site.
The Mint is a major tourism attraction in Canberra. It helps educate local and international visitors on the history of Australian coinage, and on how coins are produced in a contemporary
manufacturing environment.
Corporate profile
The Mint is a listed entity under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act). The Mint is covered by the Public Service Act 1999 (Cth) (PS Act) and is a Category E body within the Treasury portfolio. The Mint also operates under the Currency Act 1965 (Cth).
The Mint does not receive an appropriation from Government, but instead is self-funded through the sale of coins, and operates a special account under the authority of the FMA Act (Royal Australian Mint Special Account) Determination 2013/04, made under the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 (Cth). The Mint is governed in accordance with a charter with Treasury, and a supporting memorandum of understanding. The Mint’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has appointed an Advisory Board and an Audit Committee to assist in the discharge of the CEO’s responsibilities.
Purpose
The Mint’s purpose is to serve the coinage needs of the Australian economy, collectors, and foreign countries. These needs are met through the manufacture and sale of coins and other minted products, the maintenance of the National Coin Collection, and the interaction with the public through the Mint gallery, outreach activities, and a virtual presence.
Vision
Excellence as a profitable world-class mint.
Our Values
The Mint upholds the Australian Public Service (APS) values as set out in the Public Service Act 1999.
- Impartial – the Mint provides the Government with advice that is frank, honest, timely and based on the best available evidence.
- Committed to service – the Mint serves the coinage needs of the Australian community.
- Accountable – the Mint is open and accountable to the Australian community under the law and within the framework of Ministerial responsibility.
- Respectful – the Mint respects all people, including their rights and their heritage.
- Ethical – the Mint demonstrates leadership, is trustworthy, and acts with integrity, in all that it does.