2024 The Perth Mint 125th Anniversary Australia Sovereign Gold Proof Coin

Australia’s gold rush of the 1850s unearthed vast quantities of precious metal. To turn this enormous wealth into coinage, The Perth Mint was opened in 1899 as a branch of Britain’s Royal Mint to make sovereigns from Western Australian gold. The first coin to be struck, which is on permanent display in The Perth Mint’s gold exhibition, was one of 106 million sovereigns made in the years to 1931.

According to tradition, St George was a Greek-born Roman guard and Christian martyr. Myths grew up around him during the Middle Ages, including an enduring legend in which he saves a princess from a malevolent dragon. Representing courage and the victory of good over evil, St George embodied the qualities of knighthood in medieval chivalry, and was invoked to inspire valour on the battlefield and national pride.

This Australia Sovereign 2024 gold proof coin is struck by The Perth Mint from 91.67% pure gold and issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965.

The Perth Mint will release no more than 2,000 of The Perth Mint 125th Anniversary Australia Sovereign 2024 Gold Proof Coin in this packaging from a maximum mintage of 2,325.

DESIGN

On the 125th anniversary of the first sovereign to be struck at The Perth Mint, this modern collectable re-imagines the famous design. The new work portrays a naked warrior on horseback brandishing a sword above a dragon. The image appears within a decorative circle of raised dots, together with the inscription ‘AUSTRALIA’, ‘2024’, and a ‘P125’ mintmark.

The obverse portrays the Dan Thorne effigy of His Majesty King Charles III, and the monetary denomination.

PRESENTATION

The coin is housed in a prestigious wooden presentation case within a superbly illustrated shipper and is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Technical Specifications

ABOUT THE PERTH MINT

The Perth Mint, located in Perth, Western Australia, is one of the oldest and most prestigious mints in the world, with a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. It was established in 1899 as a branch of Britain's Royal Mint in response to the discovery of rich gold deposits in Western Australia. Its primary purpose was to refine gold mined in the region and to mint gold sovereigns and half sovereigns for use throughout the British Empire.

The Perth Mint played a crucial role in the development of Western Australia's gold industry, providing a local facility for gold refining and coin production that significantly contributed to the economic growth of the region. Over the years, it has evolved to become a leader in the precious metals industry, offering a wide range of services including gold and silver bullion bars and coins, precious metal refining, and jewellry.

After Australia gained independence, the Perth Mint continued its operations and, in 1970, it became wholly owned by the Government of Western Australia. Since then, it has expanded its offerings to include commemorative coins, investment products, and a wealth of services for precious metals storage, management, and distribution.

Notably, The Perth Mint has set several world records, including producing the world's largest gold coin in 2011, weighing one tonne and featuring a kangaroo design. It also operates one of the largest LBMA (London Bullion Market Association) accredited gold refineries in the world.

The mint is also a significant tourist attraction, offering visitors insights into Australia's gold mining history, the chance to view Australia’s largest collection of natural gold nuggets, and live demonstrations of traditional gold pouring.

Swan Bullion Company is proud to be an authorised distributor for both The Perth Mint bullion and numismatic products.