In 1965, Australia was authorised to produce its own national decimal currency following the switch from the imperial system of pounds, shillings and pence.

The Royal Australian Mint opened, marking a new era in Australia’s coinage history.

Now, 60 years on, the award-winning cultural institution has produced billions of coins and welcomed millions of visitors.

To commemorate this milestone, you’re invited to join the celebrations.

The Mint is hosting a free Family Fun Day from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 1 March.

Royal Australian Mint acting CEO Emily Martin said she was excited to be part of this significant historical milestone.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the Mint’s contribution to Australia over the past six decades,” Ms Martin said.

“Our expert speakers will share insights into coin production and the coin swap and kids coin trade are sure to be a highlight.”

The grounds surrounding the Mint will come to life with live music, a coin swap, a children’s coin trade, food trucks, face painting, and more—including activities for both seasoned coin collectors and newcomers to the hobby.

Expert speakers from the Mint will share fascinating insights into the coin-making process, from design to production, which you can view firsthand from above in the onsite factory.

The day will also feature a coin swap and kids coin trade. The coin swap allows collectors of all ages to expand their collections by exchanging cash for coins—including hard-to-find coloured circulating coins.

If you are new to coin collecting, this is an easy and inexpensive way to start!

The children’s coin trade introduces children aged 5 to 12 to the excitement of coin collecting. The children can bring used coins to trade for individual commemorative coins.

Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre will also be attending, bringing a science display and roving performers. Questacon’s Excited Particles team will combine humour, storytelling and theatre with demonstrations that explore the wonders of science and technology.

As a special memento, a 60th-anniversary coin will be available to press with the exclusive ‘60’ countermark.

While you’re at the Mint, be sure to explore the newly renovated coin museum and temporary 60^th Anniversary Exhibition.

Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the covered picnic area, or feast on options from the Mint Café — offering kids’ meals and meal deals — or a variety of local food trucks.

The Royal Australian Mint Family Fun Day is on Saturday 1 March from 10am to 4pm, Denison Street, Deakin. It is a wheelchair and family-friendly event.

Entry is free and there is plenty of on-street parking around and behind the Mint.

For more information, visit ramint.gov.au

What is the Mint?

The Mint is an award-winning, world-class Mint and a global leader in the mint industry. It 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.

Mint60 Exhibition

The exhibition Mint60 – Celebrating 60 Years of the Royal Australian Mint captures the Mint’s early history, from its humble beginnings as a well-populated sheep paddock to the Museum’s refurbishment in 2024.

Learn about the Mint’s architect, Richard Ure, who also designed Canberra’s iconic Black Mountain Tower.

Unearth secrets of the Mint and discover why the solid rock encountered during excavation turned out to be an unexpected benefit.

See rare historic photos, including one of Prince Philip officially opening the Mint on 22 February 1965. The Duke of Edinburgh was presented with a Year Set, which he gifted back so it could be displayed in the Museum. There is also a photo of Queen Elizabeth II inspecting machinery at the Mint in 1970.

Discover never-before-seen coins from the National Coin Collection, including the Beauty, Rich and Rare – Daintree Rainforest $100 Coloured Gold Proof Domed Coin and the Australian Rainforest Cassowary $200 Gold Proof Coin.

Also on display are beautifully designed medallions and tokens, including the National Antarctic Research Expedition Bronze Medallion and WWF for Nature, Western Swamp Tortoise Token.

The robot featured in the Mint60 Exhibition was affectionately named Roxie by the Mint’s coin-packing team in 2004. Roxie picked and packed coins using a camera to ensure they were facing the right way. Able to run day and night, Roxie was finally retired in 2021.

The exhibition will run until 11 May 2025.