EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Issued by authority of the Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury
Currency Act 1965
Currency (Australian Coins) Amendment (2026 Perth Mint No. 3) Determination 2026
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 12 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 item 20 of the table in section 12 of the 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 (2026 Perth Mint No. 3) Determination 2026
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 12 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 (2026 Perth Mint No. 3) Determination 2026
Section 1 – Name
This section provides that the name of the Determination is the Currency (Australian Coins) Amendment (2026 Perth Mint No. 3) Determination 2026.
Section 2 – Commencement
This section prescribes that the Determination commences on the day after the Determination is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation.
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 2026 1oz Silver Brumby Coloured Coin
The design on the $1 2026 1oz silver brumby coloured coin consists of, in the foreground, a stylised representation of a coloured horse, standing on three legs (with one of its front legs raised off the ground) on a rocky ledge, looking backwards, surrounded by shrubs and coloured trees. In the background, and partially obscured by the horse, there is a stylised representation of coloured hills, a coloured night sky with stars, and a partially coloured moon. The design includes the following inscriptions: “AUSTRALIAN BRUMBY”; the inscription, in Arabic numerals, of a year; “Xoz 9999 SILVER” (where “X” is the nominal weight in ounces of the coin, expressed as a whole number or a common fraction in Arabic numerals); “NM” (being the initials of the designer Natasha Muhl); “P”; and a microscopic “P”.
Consistent with the tradition of an effigy of the reigning sovereign appearing on the obverse side of all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of His Majesty King Charles III will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions “CHARLES III”, “AUSTRALIA”, and Arabic numerals for the amount, in dollars or cents, of the denomination of the coin, followed by “DOLLARS”, “DOLLAR” or “CENTS” as the case requires. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Dan Thorne “DT”.
$1 2026 13.5g Base Metal Christmas Coloured Coin
The design on the $1 2026 13.5g base metal Christmas coloured coin consists of, in the foreground, a coloured stylised representation of Santa Claus standing on a sandy beach, holding an open oyster that contains a pearl in one hand and the reins of a tacked-up camel in the other hand. Sitting on the camel’s hump is a coloured stylised representation of an elf wearing sunglasses and a sack on their back, holding a candy cane. Above the open oyster in Santa’s hand is a coloured stylised representation of a bird in flight. On the sandy beach is a coloured stylised representation of two crabs holding candy canes surrounded by shells. In the background is a coloured stylised representation of the following:
- the ocean; and
- a coastal mountain range; and
- clouds; and
- the sky; and
- a sea mist.
The design includes the following inscriptions: the inscription, in Arabic numerals, of a year; and “P”.
Consistent with the tradition of an effigy of the reigning sovereign appearing on the obverse side of all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of His Majesty King Charles III will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions “CHARLES III”, “AUSTRALIA”, and Arabic numerals for the amount, in dollars or cents, of the denomination of the coin, followed by “DOLLARS”, “DOLLAR” or “CENTS” as the case requires. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Dan Thorne “DT”.
$100 2026 1oz Gold Dragon & Phoenix Coloured Coin
The design on the $100 2026 1oz gold dragon & phoenix coloured coin consists of, in the foreground, and partially obscured by the rim of the coin, a coloured stylised representation of a phoenix and a dragon facing each other. In the background, and partially obscured by the phoenix and dragon, is a coloured stylised representation of swirling clouds. The design includes the following inscriptions: the inscription, in Arabic numerals, of a year; “NM” (being the initials of the designer Natasha Muhl); and “P10”.
Consistent with the tradition of an effigy of the reigning sovereign appearing on the obverse side of all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of His Majesty King Charles III will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions “CHARLES III”, “AUSTRALIA”, Arabic numerals for the amount, in dollars or cents, of the denomination of the coin, followed by “DOLLARS”, “DOLLAR” or “CENTS” as the case requires, and “Xoz 9999 Au” (where “X” is the nominal weight in ounces of the coin, expressed as a whole number or a common fraction in Arabic numerals). The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Dan Thorne “DT”.
50c 2027 1/2oz Silver Goat – Fu Coloured Coin
$25 2027 1/4oz Gold Goat – Fu Coloured Coin
$50 2027 1/2oz Gold Goat – Fu Coloured Coin
The design on the 2027 gold and silver goat – fu coloured coins consists of a stylised representation of a large goat and two smaller goats, each adorned with a traditional Chinese sun pattern. The design represents the Chinese language character (福), pronounced fú under the Pinyin system and meaning good luck. In the mouth of the largest goat is a coloured stylised representation of an ear of wheat, signifying an abundant harvest. The design includes the following inscriptions: “YEAR OF THE GOAT”; the inscription, in Arabic numerals, of a year; the Chinese language characters (丁未年), pronounced dīng wèi nián under the Pinyin system, and meaning 2027 in the Chinese sexagenary cycle; and “P”.
On the silver coin, the goats are coloured. On the gold coins, the goats are partially coloured.
Consistent with the tradition of an effigy of the reigning sovereign appearing on the obverse side of all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of His Majesty King Charles III will appear on the obverse side of the coins together with the inscriptions “CHARLES III”, “AUSTRALIA”, Arabic numerals for the amount, in dollars or cents, of the denomination of the coins, followed by “DOLLARS”, “DOLLAR” or “CENTS” as the case requires, and “Xoz 9999 Au” or “Xoz 9999 Ag” 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). The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Dan Thorne “DT”.
$25 2027 1/4oz Gold Goat – Lu Coloured Coin
The design on the $25 2027 1/4oz gold goat – lu coloured coin consists of a partially coloured stylised representation of an adult goat. The horns of the adult goat are adorned with a coloured stylised representation of a traditional Chinese dragon pattern, signifying progress and fortune. Leaping over the back of the adult goat, is a partially coloured stylised representation of the goat’s kid. The design represents the Chinese language character (禄), pronounced lù under the Pinyin system and meaning success. The design includes the following inscriptions: “YEAR OF THE GOAT”; the inscription, in Arabic numerals, of a year; the Chinese language characters (丁未年), pronounced dīng wèi nián under the Pinyin system, and meaning 2027 in the Chinese sexagenary cycle; and “P”.
Consistent with the tradition of an effigy of the reigning sovereign appearing on the obverse side of all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of His Majesty King Charles III will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions “CHARLES III”, “AUSTRALIA”, Arabic numerals for the amount, in dollars or cents, of the denomination of the coin, followed by “DOLLARS”, “DOLLAR” or “CENTS” as the case requires, and “Xoz 9999 Au” (where “X” is the nominal weight in ounces of the coin, expressed as a whole number or a common fraction in Arabic numerals). The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Dan Thorne “DT”.
$25 2027 1/4oz Gold Goat – Shou Coloured Coin
The design on the $25 2027 1/4oz gold goat – shou coloured coin consists of a partially coloured stylised representation of a goat with long flowing whiskers and trailing wool. The horns of the goat are adorned with a partially coloured stylised representation of traditional Chinese jade and gold decorations, signifying prosperity and vitality. The design represents the Chinese language character (寿), pronounced shòu under the Pinyin system and meaning longevity. The design includes the following inscriptions: “YEAR OF THE GOAT”; the inscription, in Arabic numerals, of a year; the Chinese language characters (丁未年), pronounced dīng wèi nián under the Pinyin system, and meaning 2027 in the Chinese sexagenary cycle; and “P”.
Consistent with the tradition of an effigy of the reigning sovereign appearing on the obverse side of all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of His Majesty King Charles III will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions “CHARLES III”, “AUSTRALIA”, Arabic numerals for the amount, in dollars or cents, of the denomination of the coin, followed by “DOLLARS”, “DOLLAR” or “CENTS” as the case requires, and “Xoz 9999 Au” (where “X” is the nominal weight in ounces of the coin, expressed as a whole number or a common fraction in Arabic numerals). The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Dan Thorne “DT”.
$25 2027 1/4oz Gold Goat – Xi Coloured Coin
The design on the $25 2027 1/4oz gold goat – xi coloured coin consists of, in the foreground, a partially coloured stylised representation of a goat with horns. Partially obscured by and facing the goat with horns is a partially coloured stylised representation of a goat without horns. The design represents the Chinese language character (喜), pronounced xǐ under the Pinyin system and meaning double happiness. The goats are adorned with a coloured stylised pattern inspired by phoenix motifs, which form a heart, signifying love and happiness. The design includes the following inscriptions: “YEAR OF THE GOAT”; the inscription, in Arabic numerals, of a year; the Chinese language characters (丁未年), pronounced dīng wèi nián under the Pinyin system and meaning 2027 in the Chinese sexagenary cycle; and “P”.
Consistent with the tradition of an effigy of the reigning sovereign appearing on the obverse side of all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of His Majesty King Charles III will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions “CHARLES III”, “AUSTRALIA”, Arabic numerals for the amount, in dollars or cents, of the denomination of the coin, followed by “DOLLARS”, “DOLLAR” or “CENTS” as the case requires, and “Xoz 9999 Au” (where “X” is the nominal weight in ounces of the coin, expressed as a whole number or a common fraction in Arabic numerals). The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Dan Thorne “DT”.
$25 2027 1/4oz Gold Goat – Cai Coloured Coin
The design on the $25 2027 1/4oz gold goat – cai coloured coin consists of a partially coloured stylised representation of a goat adorned with a coloured fleece. The goat has a coloured representation of a Chinese cash coin on its head and a coloured representation of a Chinese cash coin in its mouth, signifying wealth and joy. The design represents the Chinese language character (财), pronounced cái under the Pinyin system and meaning fiscal. The design includes the following inscriptions: “YEAR OF THE GOAT”; the inscription, in Arabic numerals, of a year; the Chinese language characters (丁未年), pronounced dīng wèi nián under the Pinyin system, and meaning 2027 in the Chinese sexagenary cycle; and “P”.
Consistent with the tradition of an effigy of the reigning sovereign appearing on the obverse side of all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of His Majesty King Charles III will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions “CHARLES III”, “AUSTRALIA”, Arabic numerals for the amount, in dollars or cents, of the denomination of the coin, followed by “DOLLARS”, “DOLLAR” or “CENTS” as the case requires, and “Xoz 9999 Au” (where “X” is the nominal weight in ounces of the coin, expressed as a whole number or a common fraction in Arabic numerals). The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Dan Thorne “DT”.
50c 2027 1/2oz Silver Newborn Coloured Coin
The design on the 50c 2027 1/2oz silver newborn coloured coin consists of, in the foreground, immediately inside the rim of the coin and forming a partial border, a stylised representation of a ribbon banner with the inscription “CONGRATULATIONS”. Also in the foreground is a coloured stylised representation of the following:
- a sleeping kangaroo joey; and
- a koala joey sleeping on the kangaroo’s back; and
- a kookaburra chick roosted on top of the koala’s back.
In the background, and partially obscured by the kangaroo, koala, and kookaburra, is a stylised representation of a bed of eucalyptus leaves, gum nuts, and grass. The design includes the following inscriptions: the inscription, in Arabic numerals, of a year; “IJ” (being the initials of the designer Ing Ing Jong); and “P”.
Consistent with the tradition of an effigy of the reigning sovereign appearing on the obverse side of all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of His Majesty King Charles III will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions “CHARLES III”, “AUSTRALIA”, Arabic numerals for the amount, in dollars or cents, of the denomination of the coin, followed by “DOLLARS”, “DOLLAR” or “CENTS” as the case requires, and “Xoz 9999 Ag” (where “X” is the nominal weight in ounces of the coins, expressed as a whole number or a common fraction in Arabic numerals). The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Dan Thorne “DT”.
$1 2027 1oz Silver Shipwreck Zeewijk Coin with Coloured Duit Privy
The design on the $1 2027 1oz silver shipwreck Zeewijk coin with coloured duit privy consists of a partial circular border immediately inside the rim of the coin. In the foreground, and partially obscuring the circular border, a stylised representation of the shipwreck of the 18th century ship, Zeewijk, running aground on a coral reef in rough shallow water. In the background, and enclosed by the circular border, is the following:
- a representation of a cloudy sky; and
- a coloured depiction of a photograph of a 1723 Dutch duit that was recovered from the wreckage of the Zeewijk (enclosed in a circle).
The design includes the following inscriptions: “ZEEWIJK”; on a stylised representation of a rustic wooden plank, the inscription, in Arabic numerals, of a year; “Xoz 9999 SILVER” (where “X” is the nominal weight in ounces of the coin, expressed as a whole number or a common fraction in Arabic numerals); “SR” (being the initials of the designer Sean Rogers); and “P”.
Consistent with the tradition of an effigy of the reigning sovereign appearing on the obverse side of all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of His Majesty King Charles III will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions “CHARLES III”, “AUSTRALIA”, and Arabic numerals for the amount, in dollars or cents, of the denomination of the coin, followed by “DOLLARS”, “DOLLAR” or “CENTS” as the case requires. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Dan Thorne “DT”. There is a round border enclosing a representation of a historical nautical map of the Western Australian coast, depicting the wreck sites of the 17th and 18th century ships Batavia, Vergulde Draeck, Zeewijk and Zuytdorp, surrounding a central circle that encloses the effigy of King Charles III.