I acknowledge the Ngunnawal people on whose lands we meet today, and all First Nations people present. Thank you, and welcome to the voice of Trixie Heeler, Myf Warhurst. It's wonderful to have you as part of this special occasion.
A big thank you to the Royal Australian Mint and Acting CEO Emily Martin for hosting this event, and to all of you - coin collectors, visitors, Mint staff, and Canberrans - for being here today.
Today, we celebrate 60 years of the Royal Australian Mint-a milestone that reflects not only the passage of time but also the evolution of our nation's currency, craftsmanship, and innovation.
The story of Australian coinage is one of transformation and progress. When the Mint opened its doors in 1965, Australia was on the cusp of a historic shift - from the familiar imperial system of pounds, shillings, and pence to a modern decimal currency.
Proposals to adopt decimal currency emerged shortly after Federation, but it was not until Leslie Melville's 1957 Decimal Currency Council report that momentum began. The new Currency Act was enacted in 1963, and the public were asked what to call the new currency. Suggested names included 'Austral', 'Oz', 'Boomer', 'Emu', 'Deci‑mate', 'Kwid', 'Kanga', 'Digger', 'Dinkum' and 'Roo'. Some rue the fact that we eventually went with 'dollar'.
The switch to decimal currency was a national effort, one that required education, precision, and trust - all embodied in the very coins produced within these walls.
Befitting the romantic approach of the Mint, Valentine's Day 1966 was chosen for the changeover, and public education campaigns began. One jingle was sung by a character dubbed 'Dollar Bill' to the tune of the folk song 'Click Go the Shears':
In come the dollars and in come the cents
To replace the pounds and the shillings and the pence.
Be prepared folks when the coins begin to mix
On the 14th of February 1966.
I wasn't born until the following decade, but the Mint's jingle was such an effective earworm that my parents often sang it to my brother and me as young children.
Handling 2 currencies wasn't easy. Many shopkeepers had conversion charts behind the counter, and there were humorous moments as Australians adjusted. One story, possibly apocryphal, is of a man who walked into a bar a few weeks after the introduction of decimal currency and attempted to pay for his drink using a mixture of new and old coins. The bartender, flummoxed by the mix of pence and cents, apparently decided it was easier to give the bloke his drink on the house.
The designer who gave these coins their first distinct character was Stuart Devlin, a Melbourne‑born artist and silversmith. His designs, chosen through a national competition, brought our native wildlife to life on the 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50‑cent pieces. The bounding kangaroo, the spiky echidna, and the playful platypus became symbols of Australian pride. Devlin's artistry set a benchmark for numismatic design, and his influence continues to be felt in the coins produced by the Mint today.
The history of Australian currency stretches back well before decimalisation. Before the Mint's founding, before Federation, before European settlement, different forms of exchange shaped our economy. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people engaged in sophisticated barter systems, trading goods such as ochre, shell, and tools across vast distances. The earliest colonial transactions were conducted with rum, promissory notes, and an eclectic mix of foreign coins before the establishment of our first official currency. Today, the Mint serves as the custodian of the National Coin Collection, preserving these stories and artefacts so future generations can walk through history - not just since 1965, but from our nation's earliest days.
The Mint has also played a key role in preserving Australia's military history through commemorative coin releases. From ANZAC Day coins to the first coloured red poppy coin in 2012, released in partnership with the RSL to commemorate the wartime sacrifice of Australian service personnel, these pieces honour our nation's service and sacrifice. During World War II, Australia faced severe coin shortages and had to mint coins in the USA and India. This experience reinforced the need for a sovereign minting facility, leading to the foundation of the Royal Australian Mint.
The Mint's work has never been confined to our own shores. Over the decades, it has become a respected global producer, currently supplying coins to 7 nations in the Asia‑Pacific. This international role highlights the skill and reputation of the Mint and has supported the economies of many countries, reinforcing Australia's standing in the numismatic world.
This global reputation for craftsmanship and innovation has positioned the Royal Australian Mint as more than just a manufacturer - it is a creator of currency that tells a story. Each coin it produces carries history in its design, whether celebrating our culture, achievements, or aspirations.
Coins don't just mark history-they make history. We've seen that most recently with the transition of the effigy on our coinage. For more than 70 years, coins in Australia bore the right‑facing portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, evolving through 6 different designs as her reign progressed. Then, in October 2023, in this very building, I had the honour of unveiling the left‑facing effigy of King Charles III. It was the first change in monarch on our coins since decimalisation - a reminder that history is reflected in the coins we carry in our pockets.
Looking ahead, the future of coins is a subject of great interest. The rise of digital payments has led some to question their place in modern society. Yet, coins continue to hold cultural, historical, and collectible value. Some of Australia's most collectible coins, such as the rare 1930 penny, fetch tens of thousands at auction. Error coins, such as the famous 2000 $1 'mule' coin, which was mistakenly struck with a 10c die, remain highly sought after.
The Mint has adapted to technological advancements, from new minting techniques to sustainable materials, ensuring that Australian coins remain relevant in an evolving world. The introduction of coloured and uniquely shaped coins demonstrates the Mint's continuous innovation.
Today, as we reflect on the past 6 decades, we acknowledge the skill, dedication, and vision of those who have contributed to the Royal Australian Mint's success. From its first decimal coins to its latest commemorative releases, this institution has helped shape the way Australians interact with their currency, history and culture. It has been more than a manufacturer of money - it has been a storyteller, an innovator, and a guardian of tradition.
Coins of the future will evolve in design, composition, and possibly even purpose. But one thing remains certain - the Royal Australian Mint will continue to play a defining role in Australia's numismatic legacy. Happy 60th anniversary.
