Marvel at the biggest gold coin in the world, watch pure gold being poured into moulds and tour the interesting exhibits in the place where money’s made
This is where Australia mints coins and refines gold to be delivered throughout the world.Many countries order gold products from the Perth Mint, a facility specialising in the production and distribution of gold coins. Stroll through the informative and fascinating gallery open to visitors, which has a huge collection of coins, including the world’s largest.The Perth Mint is actually a branch of the British Royal Mint, and was originally established back in 1899, during the gold rush in Western Australia. The Perth Mint gained its reputation thanks to its ability to pour 100 per cent gold. Today, the historic building is mostly used for displays, but the mint is still active.On a tour of the facility, guides will fill you in on the history of the Perth Mint itself, and also the role of gold as a commodity. Investing in gold remains popular to this day, though very few gold coins are in circulation as a form of currency.The Perth Mint offers interactive exhibits and is geared up for visitors. Walk into a high-security vault within the old melting house, or hop onto the special scales provided and find out what your weight is worth in 24 carat gold. See bullion products from around the world in the Gold Bar exhibit and unrefined gold nuggets at the Natural Nugget Collection. One of the collection’s particular gems is the 40-million-year-old gold nugget, found in 1995 in Kalgoorlie.Finally, before you leave, don’t miss the most valuable coin in the world. It’s a whopping 80 centimetres in diameter, far too heavy to walk off with! It’s just as well really as given its 99.99 per cent gold purity, it’s worth over 50 million Australian dollars! The gift shop sells a great collection of more affordable coins and jewellery that you can away with you.The Perth Mint is on the corner of Hill and Hay streets, and is open daily except during public holidays. Tours run in the afternoons.
