Commemorating 125 Years of Federation in Australia

In 2026, Australia marks 125 years of the Commonwealth of Australia. The Commonwealth came into being on 1 January 1901, with the union of six previously self-governing colonies: New South Wales, Tasmania, Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and Queensland.

The Collection

To commemorate the 125th anniversary of Federation, the Royal Australian Mint presents these special uncirculated coins.

Each colony that became a state of Australia in 1901 is commemorated on a rarely seen 25-cent coin, which features the state’s distinctive faunal and floral emblems. The New South Wales and South Australia coins also include emblems of the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory respectively; these territories, formed in 1911, were part of the states at the time of Federation. The seventh coin in the collection is a one-dollar coin representing the Commonwealth of Australia.

These coins are available individually or as a complete collection. They would make a splendid collectible or gift for any resident or visitor of the chosen state.

A History

The path to Federation had not been smooth. Each of the six colonies was keen to protect its own interests – but after a series of conventions and referendums in the 1890s, the colonies all agreed to federate. In 1900, the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act was passed by British Parliament and signed by Queen Victoria.

On 1 January 1901, crowds gathered in Sydney’s Centennial Park for the inauguration of the Commonwealth of Australia. The first federal election was held on 29 and 30 March 1901, and the first Parliament was opened in Melbourne’s Exhibition Building on 9 May 1901.

Availability

While stock lasts:

• Mint Shop
• Mint Contact Centre (1300 652 020)
• Participating Authorised Distributors