ASIO Encrypted Message on Royal Australian Mint Coin Revealed

The Royal Australian Mint (the Mint) has revealed the secret message on its recently released coin commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) as well as the winner of its nationwide competition – Coincryption – a competition that celebrates the secret and elusive world of spies and espionage.

Following the recent completion of the competition, the Mint can now reveal that the secret message on the coin reads “there is no greater honour than the trust of the Australian people or weightier burden than protecting the security of Australia and its people”.

Queensland’s very own Andrew Olsson is the winner of the only proof coin in existence that featuring the 70th Anniversary of ASIO coin design.

The competition followed the release of the Mint’s first ever coin featuring a secret code, generating widespread excitement in the Australian public and amongst coin collectors, garnering over 1,000 entries.

Royal Australian Mint CEO, Ross MacDiarmid said; “the Royal Australian Mint is thrilled to share yet another unique coin release and exciting competition that resonates with the Australian public, further engaging interest in the age-old hobby of coin collecting, whilst commemorating seven decades of ASIO”.

In order to win, Andrew deciphered the secret message encrypted on the 50c uncirculated coin using a One-Time Pad – a key similar to that used by operatives during the Cold War – and entered the competition by providing the correct secret message to go in the draw to win the only ASIO 50c Proof Coin. 

Mike Burgess, Director-General of Security, ASIO said; “Congratulations to Andrew for decoding ASIO’s secret message.  Well done.  It’s exciting to see so much interest in ASIO, our 70th anniversary, and the commemorative coin.”

Watch out for your next chance to take part in the Mint’s exciting upcoming competitions next year.

Media Enquiries:

Royal Australian Mint: Heather McGirr, Heather.McGirr@ramint.gov.au, 0418 164 769