Perth Mint

Overview

The Perth Mint is the world's oldest operating mint, established in 1899 as a branch of the Royal Mint London. Located in an elegant Victorian-era building on Hay Street, it produces Australia's gold, silver, and platinum bullion coins and offers a popular heritage exhibition.

Highlights

• Gold pouring: Watch 200 grams of molten gold poured into a gleaming bar in a live demonstration.
• One-tonne gold coin: See the world's largest gold coin, valued at over $60 million and weighing 1,012 kg.
• Natural gold nuggets: A display of some of Western Australia's most impressive gold specimens.

History

The Mint was established during the WA gold rush to refine gold from the Goldfields–Esperance region. It became independent from the Royal Mint in 1970 and is now owned by the Government of Western Australia.

Visitor Tips

• Gold pouring sessions: Run hourly from 10 am to 3 pm.
• Ticket: About $22 for the exhibition and pouring.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.