Currency (Perth Mint) Determination 2015 (No. 4)

Administered by Department of the Treasury

Legislation au F2015L02103 In force Legislative Instrument

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ATTACHMENT B

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Issued by authority of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer

Currency Act 1965

Currency (Perth Mint) Determination 2015 (No.4)

Under subsection 13A(1) of the Currency Act 1965, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer has made a determination regarding the specifications of coins proposed to be issued by the Perth Mint (Gold Corporation).

Subsection 13A(1) of the Currency Act 1965 requires that the determination provide details of coin characteristics including standard composition, standard weight, allowable variation from standard weight, design and dimensions.

A determination made by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer is a disallowable instrument for the purposes of section 42 of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.

2016 Anzac Day $1 Coin - Aluminium Bronze Collector Coin

The design on the 2016 Anzac Day $1 Coin (30mm) aluminium bronze coin, consists of a representation of a soldier holding binoculars to his or her eyes, an armoured vehicle, on sandy terrain,  with a soldier at the forward gun ring which is fitted with a firearm, and a silhouette of a soldier playing a bugle. The coin includes the following inscriptions ‘Lest We Forget April 25’ and the initials of the designer Ing Ing Jong ‘IJ’.

Tiger Shark - Silver Bullion Coin

The design on the Tiger Shark (1/2oz) silver bullion coin, consists of a representation of a tiger shark superimposed over a circle enclosing an underwater seascape featuring coral, a clam, 2 fish, a sandy sea floor and the sea surface. The coin includes the following inscriptions ‘TIGER SHARK’, ‘2016 1/2oz 9999 SILVER’ and the initials of the designer Thomas Vaughan ‘TV’.

Kimberley Sunrise - High Relief - Gold Collector Coin

The design on the Kimberley Sunrise - High Relief (2oz) gold proof coin, consists of a landscape featuring boab trees, termite mounds, grassy flatlands and rock formations in the background, and a diamond inset, surrounded by stylised sunrays extending out to form a partial circle. The coin includes the following inscriptions ‘KIMBERLEY SUNRISE’, ‘2016 2oz 9999 GOLD’ and the initials of the designer Thomas Vaughan ‘TV’.

Australian Kangaroo - Big Red - Gold Collector Coin

The design on the Australian Kangaroo - Big Red (1kg) gold proof coin, consists of a representation of a kangaroo with a diamond inset into its forepaws and surrounded by stylised sunrays. The coin includes the following inscriptions ‘AUSTRALIAN KANGAROO’ and ‘2016 1 KILO 9999 GOLD’.

2016 Australian Wedge-Tailed Eagle - High Relief - Silver Collector Coin

The design on the 2016 Australian Wedge-Tailed Eagle - High Relief (5oz) silver proof coin, consists of a circle that partly encloses a representation of a wedge-tailed eagle perched on a tree branch. The coin includes the following inscriptions ‘AUSTRALIAN WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE’, ‘2016 5oz 999 SILVER’ and the initials of the designer John Mercanti ‘JM’.

2016 Australian Wedge-Tailed Eagle - High Relief - Gold Collector Coin

The design on the 2016 Australian Wedge-Tailed Eagle - High Relief (2oz) gold proof coin, consists of a circle which partly encloses a representation of a wedge-tailed eagle perched on a tree branch. The coin includes the following inscriptions ‘AUSTRALIAN WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE’, ‘2016 2oz 9999 GOLD’ and the initials of the designer John Mercanti ‘JM’.

Queen Elizabeth II 90th Birthday - High Relief - Gold Collector Coin

The design on the Queen Elizabeth II 90th Birthday - High Relief (2oz) gold proof coin, consists of a heraldic representation of St Edward’s Crown, several wattle flowers and leaves and several lines. The coin includes the following inscriptions ‘H.M. QUEEN ELIZABETH II’, ‘90TH’, ‘BIRTHDAY’, ‘21 - 4 - 2016’, ‘2oz 9999 GOLD’ and the initials of the designer Natasha Muhl ‘NM’.

Queen Elizabeth II 90th Birthday - Gold Collector Coin

The design on the Queen Elizabeth II 90th Birthday (1/4oz) gold proof coin, consists of a heraldic representation of St Edward’s Crown, several wattle flowers and leaves and several lines. The coin includes the following inscriptions ‘H.M. QUEEN ELIZABETH II’, ‘90TH’, ‘BIRTHDAY’, ‘21 - 4 - 2016’, ‘1/4oz 9999 GOLD’ and the initials of the designer Natasha Muhl ‘NM’.

Queen Elizabeth II 90th Birthday - High Relief - Silver Collector Coin

The design on the Queen Elizabeth II 90th Birthday (1oz) silver proof coin, consists of a heraldic representation of St Edward’s Crown, several wattle flowers and leaves and several lines. The coin includes the following inscriptions ‘H.M. QUEEN ELIZABETH II’, ‘90TH’, ‘BIRTHDAY’, ‘21 - 4 - 2016’, ‘1oz 9999 SILVER’ and the initials of the designer Natasha Muhl ‘NM’.

Queen Elizabeth II 90th Birthday - Aluminium Bronze Coin

The design on the Queen Elizabeth II 90th Birthday (30mm) aluminium bronze coin, consists of 2 curved lines and a line with several alternating fleurs-de-lis and crosses pattées above it. The coin includes the following inscriptions ‘Q’, ‘H.M.’, ‘UEEN’, ‘ELIZABETH’, ‘II’, ‘21 - 4 - 2016’, ‘90TH BIRTHDAY’ and the initials of the designer Natasha Muhl ‘NM’.

 

PUBLIC CONSULTATION

GoldCorp Australia has undertaken consultation among its network of Australian and international wholesale distributors during business meetings at various coin shows including but not limited to, the World Money Fair held in Berlin and the American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of Money. 

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

Members of the public have the opportunity to contact us to present any themes they would like to see commemorated on Australian legal tender.  These concepts are then researched and presented to the appropriate people at GoldCorp Australia 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 (Perth Mint) Determination 2015 (No. 4)

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 weight, dimension and composition of 10 new numismatic coins to be released 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.

Overview

The Currency (Perth Mint) Determination 2015 (No. 4) was enacted under subsection 13A(1) of the Currency Act 1965, which empowers the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer to make determinations regarding the specifications of coins proposed to be issued by the Perth Mint (Gold Corporation). This determination specifies the characteristics of ten new numismatic coins, including their composition, weight, design, and dimensions, ensuring that these coins meet the legal standards for Australian currency. This instrument addresses the need for the Parliamentary Secretary to establish precise coin specifications to facilitate the minting and circulation of legal tender. The determination is a disallowable instrument under the Legislative Instruments Act 2003. The process involved consultation with industry stakeholders to maintain the confidentiality of coin themes and designs, while also allowing for public input on potential coin themes. The determination has been assessed for compatibility with human rights, concluding that it does not engage any of the rights or freedoms recognised in the international instruments listed in the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011.

Scope and Application

The Currency (Perth Mint) Determination 2015 (No. 4) applies to the Perth Mint, specifically GoldCorp Australia, which is responsible for proposing and issuing new numismatic coins. This determination sets out the specifications for ten new coins, including their composition, weight, allowable variation from standard weight, design, and dimensions. This legislative instrument is applicable at the national level, as it is made under the Currency Act 1965, a Commonwealth Act. The determination is a disallowable instrument, meaning it can be disallowed by either House of Parliament. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in this determination. The application of the determination can be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments made under the Currency Act 1965. This determination is compatible with human rights as it does not engage any of the applicable rights or freedoms, as outlined in the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011.

Key Provisions

The Currency (Perth Mint) Determination 2015 (No. 4), issued under subsection 13A(1) of the Currency Act 1965, establishes the specifications for ten new coins proposed to be issued by the Perth Mint, which includes details such as standard composition, standard weight, allowable variation from standard weight, design, and dimensions (subsection 13A(1)). These coins include commemorative pieces like the 2016 Anzac Day $1 Coin, Tiger Shark Silver Bullion Coin, and various other collector coins celebrating significant Australian themes and events, such as the Kimberley Sunrise, Australian Kangaroo, and Queen Elizabeth II 90th Birthday coins. Each coin’s design, weight, and composition are meticulously detailed to ensure they meet the legal requirements set forth by the Currency Act. The obligations imposed on the Perth Mint by this determination include adherence to the specified coin characteristics. The Perth Mint must ensure that the coins conform to the outlined standards for composition, weight, and design. This involves precise control over the manufacturing process to meet the standards set by the determination, including the use of specified materials and adherence to the described dimensions and designs. Furthermore, the Mint must ensure that any inscriptions, such as the date and designer initials, are accurately and legibly included on the coins. Should the Perth Mint or any associated party fail to comply with the requirements set out in the Currency (Perth Mint) Determination 2015 (No. 4), there could be significant legal repercussions. The determination does not explicitly outline specific penalties for non-compliance, but violations of the Currency Act generally can result in substantial fines and potential criminal charges. The severity of penalties can depend on the nature and extent of the breach, with potential outcomes including fines up to the statutory maximums or imprisonment, reflecting the seriousness of ensuring the integrity and legality of Australian currency. The Mint is also subject to the disallowance process under section 42 of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003, which provides a mechanism for parliamentary scrutiny and potential nullification of the determination if deemed inappropriate.

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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.