Western Australian Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston recently unveiled The Perth Mint’s most exclusive and valuable collectable coin to date. Valued at $2.48 million, the Discovery coin weighs in at two kilograms and was inspired by the holey dollar, which was introduced as Australia’s first official currency in 1814.
“The Discovery coin showcases our country’s prized treasures, and the talents of our craftsmen and women who have transformed them to create this collectors’ item.” Minister Johnston commented “The Perth Mint continues to showcase the wealth of resources found in Western Australia by launching exceptional creations such as Discovery.”
Minister Johnston explained that the coin is made of 99.99 per cent pure gold and features four rare Argyle pink and purplish-pink diamonds – the largest is 1.02 carat. Discovery’s facade depicts a sailing ship and diggers in a rowboat, a prospector panning for gold, and boab trees and kangaroos, which are symbolic of Western Australia’s Kimberley region – where Argyle pink diamonds are found.
Minister Johnston said that Western Australia is Australia’s major producer of gold, and recorded 210 tonnes of gold sales worth $11.1 billion in 2017. The Minister then went on to explain that the coin will be on display at The Perth Mint’s Hay Street retail store until Friday September 28, 2018, unless sold earlier.