01/01/2025
Over 300 people tried their luck to make history this morning and strike the first 2025 coin anywhere in the world at the Royal Australian Mint (the Mint). Daniella Vido from Canberra, was chosen to take home the very first collectible commemorative coin featuring the Mint’s 60th anniversary celebrations theme.
Early birds arrived from 6am for the annual tradition – four hours before the award winning cultural facility was due to open to the public.
The Mint’s Director of Museum, Education and Visitor Services Stuart Baines said it was great to see so many coin enthusiasts participating in the event. “I’m very excited to announce this year’s theme for our Mintmark program celebrates our 60th anniversary year,” Mr Baines said. “His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh, opened the Royal Australian Mint on the 22nd February 1965. Until then, Australia had been striking coins for its own use at the mints in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne, but these were the branches of the Royal Mint in London. “It is astonishing to think that every single coin in the pockets and purses of millions of Australians produced since 1965, was made right here, in a quiet Canberra suburb,” Mr Baines said.
As part of this historical occasion, the first coin was set in a piece of marble taken from the iconic Mint building’s heritage listed floor during recent renovations.
The first 100 coins minted received a certificate of authentication.
PHOTO CAPTION: Daniella Vido from Canberra, was the first person to Mint a 2025 collectible commemorative coin featuring the Mint’s 60th anniversary celebrations theme.
About the Royal Australian Mint
The Mint is an award-winning, world class Mint and a global leader in the mint industry. The Mint produces circulating coins for Australia and other countries; collectible and investment coins for domestic and international customers; and custom-made medals, medallions and tokens for individual or corporate clients. The Mint is also a national cultural attraction that educates millions of Australians and international visitors on the history of Australia’s decimal currency, and the significance and value of coins.
As an organisation that strives to take better care of the environment, to cultivate safe and inclusive workplaces and to make a positive impact on the communities where it operates, the Mint integrates environmental, social and governance practices in every aspect of its operations.
Media Enquiries: For media enquiries, or to request an interview, contact media@ramint.gov.au or 6202 3466