PRESSING
Pressing ( minting ) is the Coining department ’ s core activity . To press coins , the team requires finished blanks , two dies , and of course a coin press .
Dies are engraved metal stamps bearing the coin ’ s ‘ heads ’ ( obverse ) and ‘ tails ’ ( reverse ) designs .
The press squeezes blanks between the two dies – thereby stamping both sides with their designs . To prevent the metal splaying outwards during the ‘ strike ’, the blank is bounded by a ‘ collar ’ featuring serrations that produce the familiar reeded edge around a coin .
The Perth Mint operates a large number of coin presses varying in size and sophistication . They include fully automated presses capable of producing large runs of smaller coins , to extremely powerful presses that can exert tonnes of pressure – required , for example , to make the handful of 10 kilo coins we issue each year .
Operators are on the front line when it comes to quality control . Once they begin pressing the blanks , they pay strict attention to the quality of the impression and inspect for any potential scratches or abnormality that may lead to a coin being rejected .
Ensuring the team ’ s engineers and technicians stay on their toes , our coin presses are often required 24 hours a day in order to keep up with demand for the Mint ’ s large range of Australian investor and collector releases .
SPECIAL TREATMENTS
In recent years , collectable pieces featuring coloured or gilded highlights have become particularly popular . In fact , The Perth Mint can claim some of the credit for this trend , being one of the world ’ s first mints to pioneer these innovations .
As a result , the Coining team has unprecedented experience in the application of such finishes , using electroplating techniques to enhance selected areas of the design with a layer of 24-carat gold , or using specialised print technology to add vivid colour .
FINAL INSPECTION
The Coining department ’ s ultimate responsibilities lie in the final inspection and primary packaging of all the Mint ’ s coins .
Inspection is an exhaustive process that takes nothing for granted and follows a strict set of guidelines . Even though blanks passed earlier testing , a sample of finished coins is fully re-tested to ensure the specifications – including weight , diameter , and thickness – are accurate .
For optimal quality assurance , a visual examination is required of all coins , and in no case is this more significant than for proof quality collectables . As our elite releases , they feature a shiny , mirror-like table ( background ) and delicately frosted motifs . Because these coins are presented as flawless , the tiniest imperfection results in rejection .
Having passed every testing procedure , The Perth Mint ’ s precious metal coins ( with a few exceptions ) are hand-placed in acrylic capsules providing perfect protection for a lifetime of enjoyment by our collectors .
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FEATURE ARTICLE
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