Western Australia ’ s coin minting history and how to identify coins made in Perth
Western Australia has a rich and remarkable history of coin minting . For 125 years , coins have been made in the state ’ s capital , Perth , contributing to Australia ’ s fascinating currency heritage .
Permission to build The Perth Mint was a direct result of major gold discoveries during the 1890s at Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie , about 600km east of the city . The Mint ’ s earliest coins were 22-carat sovereigns made from Western Australian gold .
SETTING THE STANDARD
The UK Coinage Act 1870 required that coins of the realm be tested for size , weight , and fineness . The new Mint sent 180 examples of its sovereigns to London to undergo rigorous testing at the Trial of the Pyx , an ancient ceremonial examination by a jury of skilled goldsmiths .
Passing with flying colours , the result was announced by Perth ’ s first Deputy Master , John Francis Campbell , who declared that the successful trial was testament to the “ efficiency and competency of my staff ”. Setting the highest standards by which it would always abide , the Mint went on to produce more than 106 million sovereigns before production ceased in 1931 .
To identify Perth sovereigns , look for our ‘ P ’ mintmark above the year-date . A complete collection spans 32 years , four obverse types , and 33 year-dates .