History is made of meaningful moments
They may be small, but coins have had a big impact on Australian society. Discover the fascinating history, intrigue, beauty and art of coins by exploring the National Coin Collection and its many stories in our permanent exhibition.
Pieces of history
There are two sides to every coin.
And they’re so much more than just the metals used to create them. Behind every coin in our collection is a story – of the people who inspired it, designed it, manufactured it or used it. From hand-crafted coins made by early convicts through to today’s modern versions featuring coloured dyes and even holographs – each coin has had a unique journey and can tell multiple stories. Our coins explore who we are, where we came from and what we value. Come and discover them for yourself in our exhibition gallery.