The Royal Australian Mint was a hive of activity after the official closing time on New Year's Eve, as almost 400 people gathered in the hope of being chosen to make the last coin of 2024. Darren Wong from Canberra, was picked from 398 in the ballot to become today's history maker and mint the final coin.
The highly anticipated Last Coin of the Year event has become a tradition where people from all around the country flock to Canberra in the hope of being the lucky person to mint the final coin. In decommissioning the 2024 Out of this World mintmark suite, Royal Australian Mint Product Development Officer Matt Frawley highlighted the significance of today's event. "The last coin of the year is a long-standing tradition for the Mint, and this year is no exception. "For the past 12 months we have partnered with the Australian Space Agency to showcase the incredible discoveries our astrophysicists are making in what is known as the final frontier or deep space. "As we say goodbye to this very popular theme, we get ready to kick off the Mint's 60th year of operation in setting up our gallery presses for tomorrow's first coin of the year event," Mr Frawley said. The Royal Australian Mint is holding its popular First Coin of the Year Event tomorrow morning, before the Mint opens for the day. A ballot will be held just after 8am to choose the lucky winner who will make the first coin anywhere in the world for 2025.
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.
PHOTO CAPTION: Darren Wong from Canberra, was picked from hundreds in the ballot to become today's history maker and mint the final coin at the Royal Australian Mint in Deakin today.
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