Currency (Australian Coins) Amendment (2023 Perth Mint No. 3) Determination 2023

Administered by Department of the Treasury

Legislation au F2023L01127 Not in force Legislative Instrument

Legislation content

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Issued by authority of the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury

Currency Act 1965

Currency (Australian Coins) Amendment (2023 Perth Mint No. 3) Determination 2023

Subsection 13(2) and section 13A of the Currency Act 1965 (the Act) provide that the Treasurer may, by legislative instrument, determine details of Australian coin characteristics including denomination, standard composition, standard weight, allowable variation from standard weight, design and dimensions.

The purpose of this legislative instrument is to determine the characteristics of 31 new non-circulating coins proposed to be issued by The Perth Mint.

The Treasurer may authorise the making and issuing of coins specified, or taken to be specified, in the Schedule to the Currency Act 1965.  A payment of money is a legal tender if it is made in coins that are made and issued under the Currency Act 1965.  Through the issue of a currency determination, the Treasurer can add, remove and alter the coin characteristics specified, or taken to be specified, in the Schedule to the Currency Act 1965.

In accordance with section 19 of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, any Minister in the Treasury portfolio may, by legislative instrument, determine details of Australian coin characteristics.

Details of the legislative instrument are set out in the Attachment.

The legislative instrument commenced on the day after it was registered on the Federal Register of Legislation.

The legislative instrument is subject to disallowance under section 42 of the Legislation Act 2003.

The Determination is a legislative instrument for the purposes of the Legislation Act 2003. The Determination is not subject to sunsetting under the Legislation Act 2003 on the grounds that the instrument ensures economic certainty (see Legislation (Exemptions and Other Matters) Regulation 2015). The instrument’s operation is integral in ensuring that the currency produced by the Mints becomes, and remains, legal tender unless or until returned to a mint to be taken out of circulation in accordance with the Currency Act 1965.

Consultation

The Perth Mint undertook consultation among its network of Australian and international wholesale distributors.  Authorised Australian distributors of The Perth Mint products are consulted regularly during business meetings and participation at the Australian Numismatic Dealers’ Association Coin, Banknote and Stamp shows.  Likewise, international distributors were consulted during a schedule of individual meetings hosted during the World Money Fair held in Berlin and the American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of Money.

Limited consultation was conducted with external parties due to the confidentiality of coin themes and artwork, due to the risk of competitors viewing the innovations and potentially releasing similar coins into the market prior to the release.

Members of the public have the opportunity to contact The Perth Mint to present any themes they would like to see commemorated on Australian legal tender. These concepts are then researched and presented to The Perth Mint’s sales and marketing department for consideration and feedback.

Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights

Prepared in accordance with Part 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011

Currency (Australian Coins) Amendment (2023 Perth Mint No. 3) Determination 2023

This Legislative Instrument is compatible with the human rights and freedoms recognised or declared in the international instruments listed in section 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011.

Overview of the Legislative Instrument

The purpose of this legislative instrument is to determine the characteristics of 31 new non-circulating coins proposed to be issued by The Perth Mint.

Human rights implications

This Legislative Instrument does not engage any of the applicable rights or freedoms.

Conclusion

This Legislative Instrument is compatible with human rights as it does not raise any human rights issues.


ATTACHMENT

Details of the Currency (Australian Coins) Amendment (2023 Perth Mint No. 3) Determination 2023

Section 1 – Name of the Determination

This section provides that the name of the Determination is the Currency (Australian Coins) Amendment (2023 Perth Mint No. 3) Determination 2023.

Section 2 – Commencement

This section prescribes that the Determination commences the day after the Determination is registered.

Section 3 – Authority

This section provides that the Determination is made under the Currency Act 1965.

Section 4 – Schedule

This section provides that each instrument specified in a Schedule to the Determination is amended or repealed as set out in the Schedule.

Schedule 1 – Amendments

Schedule 1 amends the Currency (Australian Coins) Determination 2019 by adding the details of new coin characteristics. The newly determined coin characteristics are set out below.

$1 2024 1oz Silver Dragon Coin

$1 2024 1oz Silver Dragon Coloured Coin (Proof)

50c 2024 1/2oz Silver Dragon Coloured Coin

$1 2024 1oz Silver Dragon Coloured Coin

$30 2024 1kg Silver Dragon Coloured Coin

$2 2024 2oz Silver Dragon Coin (Proof)

$1 2024 1oz Silver Dragon Coin (Proof)

50c 2024 1/2oz Silver Dragon Coin (Proof)

 

The design on the 2024 silver dragon coins consists of, in the foreground, a stylised representation of a Chinese dragon shooting water from its mouth. Surrounding the dragon there is a stylised representation of a flaming pearl and waves of water. The Chinese dragon and the flaming pearl are coloured on the coloured coins. The design includes the following inscriptions: the Chinese language character () pronounced lóng under the Pinyin system and meaning dragon; ‘DRAGON’; “2024”; “IJ” (being the initials of the designer Ing Ing Jong) and “P125”. The Silver Dragon Coin and Silver Dragon Coloured Coins also include a microscopic “P”.

 

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin, together with the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II”, “AUSTRALIA”, Arabic numerals for the amount, in dollars or cents, of the denomination of the coin followed by “DOLLAR”, “DOLLARS” or “CENTS” as the case requires, either “Xoz 9999 Ag” or “XKILO 9999 Ag” as the case requires (where “X” is the nominal weight in ounces or kilograms of the coin, expressed as a whole number or a common fraction in Arabic numerals), and “1952-2022” (being the dates of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s reign). The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Jody Clark “JC”.

 

$100 2024 1oz Gold Dragon Coin

$15 2024 1/10oz Gold Dragon Coin (Proof)

$25 2024 1/4oz Gold Dragon Coin (Proof)

$100 2024 1oz Gold Dragon Coin (Proof)

$100 2024 1oz Platinum Dragon Coin

$15 2024 1/10oz Gold Dragon Coloured Coin

$5 2024 1/20oz Gold Dragon Coloured Coin

 

The design on the 2024 gold and platinum dragon coins consists of, in the foreground, a stylised representation of a Chinese dragon. In the background, and partially obscured by the dragon, there is a stylised representation of clouds and waves of water. The dragon and the waves of water are coloured on the coloured coins. The design includes the following inscriptions: the Chinese language character () pronounced lóng under the Pinyin system and meaning dragon; ‘DRAGON’; “2024”; “IJ” (being the initials of the designer Ing Ing Jong) and “P125”. The Gold Dragon Coin and Platinum Dragon Coin also include a microscopic “P”.

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin, together with the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II”, “AUSTRALIA”, Arabic numerals for the amount, in dollars or cents, of the denomination of the coin followed by “DOLLAR”, “DOLLARS” or “CENTS” as the case requires, “Xoz 9999 Au” or “Xoz 9995 Pt” as the case requires (where “X” is the nominal weight in ounces of the coin, expressed as a whole number or a common fraction in Arabic numerals), and “1952-2022” (being the dates of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s reign). The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Jody Clark “JC”.

$1 2024 1oz Silver Dragon - Blue Coloured Coin

50c 2024 1/2oz Silver Dragon – Blue Coloured Coin

 

The design of the 2024 silver dragon blue coloured coins consists of, in the foreground, a stylised representation of a coloured Chinese dragon with blue scales and a coloured flaming pearl. In the background, and partially obscured by the dragon, there is a stylised representation of clouds. The design includes the following inscriptions: the Chinese language character () pronounced lóng under the Pinyin system and meaning dragon, “DRAGON”, “2024” and “P125”.

 

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin, together with the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II”, “AUSTRALIA”, Arabic numerals for the amount, in dollars or cents, of the denomination of the coin followed by “DOLLAR”, “DOLLARS” or “CENTS” as the case requires, “Xoz 9999 Ag” (where “X” is the nominal weight in ounces of the coin, expressed as a whole number or a common fraction in Arabic numerals), and “1952-2022” (being the dates of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s reign). The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Jody Clark “JC”.

 

$1 2024 1oz Silver Dragon - Red Coloured Coin

50c 2024 1/2oz Silver Dragon – Red Coloured Coin

 

The design of the 2024 silver dragon red coloured coins consists of, in the foreground, a stylised representation of a coloured Chinese dragon with red scales and a coloured flaming pearl. In the background, and partially obscured by the dragon, there is a stylised representation of clouds. The design includes the following inscriptions: the Chinese language character () pronounced lóng under the Pinyin system and meaning dragon, “DRAGON”, “2024” and “P125”.

 

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin, together with the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II”, “AUSTRALIA”, Arabic numerals for the amount, in dollars or cents, of the denomination of the coin followed by “DOLLAR”, “DOLLARS” or “CENTS” as the case requires, “Xoz 9999 Ag” (where “X” is the nominal weight in ounces of the coin, expressed as a whole number or a common fraction in Arabic numerals), and “1952-2022” (being the dates of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s reign). The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Jody Clark “JC”.

 

$1 2024 1oz Silver Dragon – Lilac Coloured Coin

50c 2024 1/2oz Silver Dragon – Lilac Coloured Coin

 

The design of the 2024 silver dragon lilac coloured coins consists of, in the foreground, a stylised representation of a coloured Chinese dragon with lilac scales and a coloured flaming pearl. In the background, and partially obscured by the dragon, there is a stylised representation of clouds. The design includes the following inscriptions: the Chinese language character () pronounced lóng under the Pinyin system and meaning dragon, “DRAGON”, “2024” and “P125”.

 

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin, together with the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II”, “AUSTRALIA”, Arabic numerals for the amount, in dollars or cents, of the denomination of the coin followed by “DOLLAR”, “DOLLARS” or “CENTS” as the case requires, “Xoz 9999 Ag” (where “X” is the nominal weight in ounces of the coin, expressed as a whole number or a common fraction in Arabic numerals), and “1952-2022” (being the dates of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s reign). The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Jody Clark “JC”.

 

$1 2024 1oz Silver Dragon - Gold Coloured Coin

50c 2024 1/2oz Silver Dragon – Gold Coloured Coin

 

The design of the 2024 silver dragon gold coloured coins consists of, in the foreground, a stylised representation of a coloured Chinese dragon with golden scales and a coloured flaming pearl. In the background, and partially obscured by the dragon, there is a stylised representation of clouds and mountain ranges. The design includes the following inscriptions: the Chinese language character () pronounced lóng under the Pinyin system and meaning dragon, “DRAGON”, “2024” and “P125”.

 

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin, together with the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II”, “AUSTRALIA”, Arabic numerals for the amount, in dollars or cents, of the denomination of the coin followed by “DOLLAR”, “DOLLARS” or “CENTS” as the case requires, “Xoz 9999 Ag” (where “X” is the nominal weight in ounces of the coin, expressed as a whole number or a common fraction in Arabic numerals), and “1952-2022” (being the dates of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s reign). The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Jody Clark “JC”.

$1 2024 1oz Silver Dragon - Yellow Coloured Coin

50c 2024 1/2oz Silver Dragon – Yellow Coloured Coin

 

The design of the 2024 yellow coloured silver dragon coins consists of, in the foreground, a stylised representation of a coloured Chinese dragon with yellow scales and a coloured flaming pearl. In the background, and partially obscured by the dragon, there is a stylised representation of mountain ranges. The design includes the following inscriptions: the Chinese language character () pronounced lóng under the Pinyin system and meaning dragon, “DRAGON”, “2024” and “P125”.

 

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin, together with the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II”, “AUSTRALIA”, Arabic numerals for the amount, in dollars or cents, of the denomination of the coin followed by “DOLLAR”, “DOLLARS” or “CENTS” as the case requires, “Xoz 9999 Ag” (where “X” is the nominal weight in ounces of the coin, expressed as a whole number or a common fraction in Arabic numerals), and “1952-2022” (being the dates of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s reign). The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Jody Clark “JC”.

 

$1 2024 1oz Silver Dragon - Teal Coloured Coin

50c 2024 1/2oz Silver Dragon – Teal Coloured Coin

 

The design of the 2024 silver dragon teal coloured coins consists of, in the foreground, a stylised representation of a coloured Chinese dragon with teal scales and a coloured flaming pearl. In the background, and partially obscured by the dragon, there is a stylised representation of waves of water and droplets of water. The design includes the following inscriptions: the Chinese language character () pronounced lóng under the Pinyin system and meaning dragon, “DRAGON”, “2024” and “P125”.

 

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin, together with the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II”, “AUSTRALIA”, Arabic numerals for the amount, in dollars or cents, of the denomination of the coin followed by “DOLLAR”, “DOLLARS” or “CENTS” as the case requires, “Xoz 9999 Ag” (where “X” is the nominal weight in ounces of the coin, expressed as a whole number or a common fraction in Arabic numerals), and “1952-2022” (being the dates of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s reign). The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Jody Clark “JC”.

 

$1 2024 1oz Silver Dragon - Rainbow Coloured Coin

50c 2024 1/2oz Silver Dragon – Rainbow Coloured Coin

 

The design of the 2024 silver dragon rainbow coloured coins consists of, in the foreground, a stylised representation of a coloured Chinese dragon with multi-coloured scales and a coloured flaming pearl. In the background, and partially obscured by the dragon, there is a stylised representation of waves of water and droplets of water. The design includes the following inscriptions: the Chinese language character () pronounced lóng under the Pinyin system and meaning dragon, “DRAGON”, “2024” and “P125”.

 

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin, together with the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II”, “AUSTRALIA”, Arabic numerals for the amount, in dollars or cents, of the denomination of the coin followed by “DOLLAR”, “DOLLARS” or “CENTS” as the case requires, “Xoz 9999 Ag” (where “X” is the nominal weight in ounces of the coin, expressed as a whole number or a common fraction in Arabic numerals), and “1952-2022” (being the dates of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s reign). The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Jody Clark “JC”.

 

$1 2024 1oz Silver Dragon – Purple Coloured Coin

50c 2024 1/2oz Silver Dragon – Purple Coloured Coin

 

The design of the 2024 silver dragon purple coloured coins consists of, in the foreground, a stylised representation of a coloured Chinese dragon with purple scales and a coloured flaming pearl. In the background, and partially obscured by the dragon, there is a stylised representation of waves of water and droplets of water. The design includes the following inscriptions: the Chinese language character () pronounced lóng under the Pinyin system and meaning dragon, “DRAGON”, “2024” and “P125”.

 

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin, together with the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II”, “AUSTRALIA”, Arabic numerals for the amount, in dollars or cents, of the denomination of the coin followed by “DOLLAR”, “DOLLARS” or “CENTS” as the case requires, “Xoz 9999 Ag” (where “X” is the nominal weight in ounces of the coin, expressed as a whole number or a common fraction in Arabic numerals), and “1952-2022” (being the dates of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s reign). The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Jody Clark “JC”.

 

 

 

 

Overview

The Currency (Australian Coins) Amendment (2023 Perth Mint No. 3) Determination 2023 was enacted to address the need for defining the characteristics of 31 new non-circulating coins proposed to be issued by The Perth Mint. This legislative instrument was created under the authority of the Treasurer, pursuant to subsection 13(2) and section 13A of the Currency Act 1965. The primary policy objective of this Determination is to ensure that the coins produced by The Perth Mint meet the legal standards for Australian currency, thereby maintaining the integrity and legal tender status of the coins. The instrument also aims to provide economic certainty by allowing the Treasurer to add, remove, and alter coin characteristics as necessary. Consultation was conducted primarily with The Perth Mint’s network of Australian and international distributors, while limited public consultation was undertaken due to the confidential nature of the coin themes and artwork. This legislative instrument is compatible with human rights as it does not engage any of the applicable rights or freedoms.

Scope and Application

The Currency (Australian Coins) Amendment (2023 Perth Mint No. 3) Determination 2023 applies to the issuance of 31 new non-circulating coins by The Perth Mint, which are to be made and issued under the authority of the Treasurer as stipulated by the Currency Act 1965. The Act grants the Treasurer the power to determine the characteristics of Australian coins, including their denomination, composition, weight, design, and dimensions. This Determination, made under the authority of the Currency Act, specifies the particulars of these new coins, ensuring that they meet the legal criteria for Australian legal tender. The coins will bear the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the inscriptions "ELIZABETH II", "AUSTRALIA", and the dates "1952-2022". The coins also include specific design elements and inscriptions as detailed in the Schedule to the Determination. The geographic reach of this legislation is national, as it pertains to the issuance of legal tender within Australia. The Determination is subject to disallowance and is not subject to sunsetting, ensuring ongoing economic certainty for the currency produced by The Perth Mint. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in this Determination, and it does not extend or restrict its application through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The Currency (Australian Coins) Amendment (2023 Perth Mint No. 3) Determination 2023 specifies the characteristics of 31 new non-circulating coins to be issued by The Perth Mint. The Determination details the denomination, composition, weight, design, and dimensions of the coins, and specifies these coins as legal tender under the Currency Act 1965. The coins are to be minted in various weights and metals, such as silver, gold, and platinum, and will feature designs related to the Chinese dragon. The Determination imposes specific requirements on The Perth Mint and other authorised entities involved in the minting and issuing of these coins. These requirements include adherence to the prescribed coin characteristics as detailed in the Determination, ensuring that the coins meet the standards for weight, composition, and design. The coins must also include certain inscriptions, such as the denomination, year of issue, and the initials of the designers. The coins must also feature an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse side. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Determination may result in legal consequences. While the Determination does not explicitly detail specific penalties for non-compliance, breaches of the Currency Act 1965 or related regulations could lead to civil or criminal penalties. For instance, producing or issuing coins that do not meet the legal tender standards could result in fines or other legal actions under the Currency Act. Additionally, counterfeiting or altering coins to deceive could lead to more severe penalties, including imprisonment. The Determination is compatible with human rights, as it does not engage any applicable rights or freedoms under the international instruments listed in the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011. The legislation ensures that the currency produced by The Perth Mint becomes legal tender unless or until it is returned to a mint to be taken out of circulation. This ensures economic certainty and the integrity of the currency system in Australia.

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.