15/01/2016
Details
Time: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM (AESDST)
Date: Saturday 13 February 2016
Location: Royal Australian Mint
In 1966 Australians made change... in more ways than one. Fifty years on the Royal Australian Mint (the Mint) wants to celebrate decimal currency’s golden anniversary with you!
On Saturday 13 February 2016 the Mint will open its doors, inviting all members of the public to learn about the journey of coins in a rare opportunity to explore the factory floor and much more. This year we will even be creating a pop-up coin design studio so you can see our sculptors in action!
There will be lots to do including activities with the Gecko Gang, the Coin Dealer Showcase and photo opportunities with Mr Minty, Kelly the Kangaroo and Charlie the Koala, which will provide something for all ages, so bring the whole family for a day at the Mint.
Circulating Coin Swap
With the latest commemorative circulating coins recently announced, visitors will also get the exclusive opportunity to add to their collection by swapping the change they have for the new 50 cent coin. Customers can purchase one pack of these special coins at a value of $10.00 per transaction.
Special coin release for the 50th anniversary of decimal currency
A golden souvenir for a golden anniversary, the stunning round 50 cent coin coated in gold will be made available at the Open Day! To mark the 50th anniversary of decimal currency the well-known 50 cent coin, with its original 1966 circular shape, will be dressed exquisitely in gold plating, providing a unique memento of Australia’s changeover.
As an Open Day special, this coin in unique dated packaging will be available to purchase for $20. Be sure to come along and buy this rare piece!
These coins are available in undated packaging for 50 days from the Open Day on Saturday 13 February 2016.
Factory Walkthrough
Follow the journey of coins over time and get a close up look to how they are made now on the factory walkthrough. This walkthrough is a rare opportunity to stroll on the factory floor, see the presses and say hello to the robots which make the coins which pass through your hands every day. You will also be able to see our coin designers at work with our first ever pop-up coin studio. Tickets for the walkthrough will be available for pre-sale as well available on the day at the door - $5 each, children under 16 years old are free. Avoid the queues and book your tickets here
Pop-Up Coin Design Studio
For the first time, see the talented Royal Australian Mint Coin Designers in action in a once-off pop-up coin design studio! Accessible only as part of the factory walkthrough, you will be able to see the process of coin design never revealed to the public before.
A limited number of exclusive master classes with the Mint’s coin designers and product development team will be an amazing opportunity for public to learn directly from the Mint’s talented coin designers, bringing you even more up-close with their methods and means in design. Here, you will get to personalise a special design and join in a plaster pour. You will learn about the art and craft of medallic arts and walk away with your own personalised coin plaster! There are limited places available so reserve your place by clicking here.
Coin Dealer Showcase
See pre-decimal coins up close with our Coin Dealer Showcase, seeing the complete story of Australian currency told over the past 100 years. The Coin Dealers present will also have a selection of previous year’s collectible coins and they can even give valuations so bring along our own coins or information about them and see what treasure you may have hiding amongst your collection.
$1 off each factory walkthrough ticket will be donated towards Lifeline, supporting those in times of crisis.
Car parking
Attendees of the Mint's Open Day are welcome to park in the Mint's visitor car park, the car park next to Questacon and in the surrounding streets. Extra car parking can be located on Denison street before Kent street.
Fund raising BBQ
The BBQ at the Mint Open Day will be kindly run by Woolworth, raising funds to go towards the Canberra Hospital Foundation.