14/05/2009
Australia’s first $1 coin turns 25 today and has become one of Australia’s most recognised coin designs.
In 1984 the ‘five kangaroos’ $1 coin design replaced the $1 note, adding another coin to Australia’s official decimal currency. In preparation for the currency changeover, from note to coin, a variety of coin designs and shapes were considered including a seven-sided coin and a scalloped edge coin.
“Stuart Devlin, the Queen’s appointed goldsmith and jeweller, was invited to submit designs for the new $1 coin. His proposals featured Australian native fauna including a wombat, a penguin and the famous five kangaroos which are still used today.” said Graham Smith, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Australian Mint.
“The kangaroo is recognised all around the world as a symbol of Australia. It is fitting that the Royal Australian Mint is best known for its kangaroo design coins and that this 25 year old design has become one of the favourite designs on Australia’s coins,” said Mr Smith.
For more information about the above coins please visit www.ramint.gov.au or contact Michelle Napoli, details below. Coin image of $1 circulating coin and early proposed designs are available by visiting the Media Centre on www.ramint.gov.au.
Media contact:
Michelle Napoli
Royal Australian Mint
Phone: 02 6202 6974/0418 164 769
Email: michelle.napoli@ramint.gov.au
| Coin | Description | Download |
|---|---|---|
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Current circulating $1 coin design | |
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Proposed 3 kangaroo design | |
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Proposed penguin design | |
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Proposed wombat design |