The man who designed the Australian $2 coin in 1988 was one of the guests who helped the Royal Australian Mint celebrate 60 years.

Horst Hahne worked at the Mint from 1965 to 1998, designing and engraving coins.

Another special guest at the event was former Mint manager John Edwards.

Originally from Germany, Mr Hahne moved to Canberra from Adelaide.

For the $2 coin he designed at the Mint, the former chief engraver said the Australian Government wanted to recognise First Nations people.

Mr Hahne decided to feature Gwoya Tjungurrayi, otherwise known as One Pound Jimmy, drawing inspiration from an artwork by Ainslie Roberts. Gwoya was also the first Aboriginal person to be featured on an Australian postage stamp in 1950.

The master of ceremonies at the Mint celebration on Friday 28 February was Spicks and Specks team captain and voice of Aunt Trixie Heller on Bluey, Myf Warhurst.

“I get to appear on a coin now, or better yet, a mock-up in dog form; I will take that because it’s not like I’ll ever appear on it in human form, but let’s enjoy it while we can,” she told attendees.

“But honestly that is one of the best things about Australian coins, you never know what you’re going to find in your change.

“If you’re like me, you’ve got quite a bit of change in the bottom of the bag that you sift through with all sorts of things you forgot you put in there.

“There is something really special about that moment when you spot a themed coin, one of the beautiful, themed coins that come out into the world, and maybe it’s a brand-new design.

“Maybe one of those rare finds that makes our heart race a little bit and you go ‘Goodness me, I found something that’s worth something.’”

The Mint’s acting chief executive officer Emily Martin said the occasion marked not just the passing of time, but also six decades of craftsmanship, innovation and dedication to telling Australian stories through coins.

“The Mint opened in 1965 with a bold mission ahead, the introduction of decimal currency,” she said.

“When The Mint began, we were simply a factory producing coins efficiently and precisely, but over time, we have evolved into something much more.

“Yes, we have struck more than 15 billion coins, but our work now extends far beyond that.

“We have transformed into a multifaceted institution. One that embraces change, thrives on innovation and connects with Australia in ways that go beyond the coins.”

Ms Martin said the 60th-anniversary coin released on 1 January represented the six decades of coin making.

“There are some really special depictions on that coin. You will see our robot Titan, you’ll see some of those blanks that we use to make coins, and you’ll also see some of the depictions of our building – two different depictions – one is aerial and one from the side – showcasing what a landmark this building has become for Australia and Canberra.”

She said the plans for the future were to continue innovating and making new and interesting coins for the coin collector community.

“But, also to attract new community and new coin collections,” Ms Martin said.

“The important thing is that the Mint is here to tell Australian stories. Every coin tells a story and every story matters.”

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