01/11/2018
The nation’s first ever coin hunt, Australia’s Dollar Discovery, launches today as a fun way to encourage the public, and families in particular, to engage with coin collecting.
“At a time of growing ‘intangibility’, the Royal Australian Mint (the Mint) is delighted to launch a program to encourage a whole new generation of collectors both young and old, who will not only collect these coins but also be reminded of the value of a dollar,” says Ross MacDiarmid, CEO of the Royal Australian Mint.
According to a poll of 1000 people commissioned by the Royal Australian Mint, most Australians agree that saving pocket money and collecting coins helps develop patience, persistence and financial literacy, particularly for children. The poll also found that nearly half of today’s adults have nostalgic memories of saving coins in their piggy banks and six in 10 now give kids coins to save or collect as a hobby.
Australia’s Dollar Discovery will encourage more families and children to collect, with three million $1 coins marked with the letters A, U and S being released into circulation, providing an opportunity for people to begin their own collections.
“The need to collect is as old as humanity and transcends time and culture. Australia’s Dollar Discovery is a nationwide treasure hunt that we hope encourages Australians of all ages and from every state and territory to check their change for these special coins,” says Ross MacDiarmid.
Families who collect one of each coin can enter for their chance to win one of eight trips to Canberra where they will stay at Jamala Wildlife Lodge at the National Zoo and Aquarium and get the rare opportunity to mint their very own one kilogram pure silver coin. Winners will be announced on the 35th anniversary of the $1 coin, 14 May 2019 and the coins are also marked with the number 35.
For more information or to register for Australia’s Dollar Discovery, go to dollardiscovery.com.au.
