The Perth Mint is Australia’s oldest operating mint and is an award winning tourist attraction.
The Perth Mint opened as a branch of Britain’s Royal Mint in 1899 in response to the Western Australian gold rush - inspired by the discovery of gold in Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie. Between 1899 and 1931, the Perth Mint struck more than 106 million gold sovereigns and nearly 735,000 half-sovereigns for use as currency in Australia and throughout the British Empire.
When sovereigns were withdrawn from circulation in 1931, the Perth Mint continued to refine gold and started to vary its range of coin production. The Perth Mint was owned by Britain right up until 1970, when ownership of it was transferred to the Western Australian Government.
A visit to the Perth Mint provides an insight into Western Australia’s rich gold rush heritage. As well as touring through the mint, visitors can take part in a number of activities, including the chance to handle a 400 ounce bar of pure gold and looking through the gold exhibition.
Thousands of local, national and international visitors tour through the Perth Mint each year.
Location: the Perth Mint is located on the corner of Hay and Hill Streets in the city of Perth.