Premier Colin Barnett today officially opened The Perth Mint's new exhibition space with a spectacular $50million one tonne gold coin on permanent display.
The Australian Kangaroo gold coin, recognised as the largest coin ever made by Guinness World Records, is the centrepiece of the new exhibition.
Mr Barnett said the $5.5million redevelopment, completed in two stages, was the biggest since the State Government-owned Mint was founded 115 years ago.
The first stage of the redevelopment was unveiled in November 2010. Today's launch marks the completion of stage two.
Key features of the new, permanent exhibition include:
the largest coin in the world, the Australian Kangaroo one tonne gold coin on a revolving platform
a display of more than $25million worth of natural and refined gold
a rare opportunity to handle a solid gold bar worth more than $500,000
gold pours and the minting of Australian precious metal coins
a multimedia heritage tour.
The Perth Mint was established as a branch of Britain's Royal Mint in 1899. Its primary functions of refining gold from the eastern goldfields and striking gold coinage continue to this day with gold now refined at The Perth Mint Refinery, near Perth Airport and precious metal coins struck onsite at the Mint.
The Perth Mint also issues the nation's official bullion and commemorative coins, and offers a variety of investment bars and other precious metal products.
"As well as its role as a leading exporter, The Perth Mint is an invaluable resource on the role gold has played in the economic development of Western Australia," the Premier said.
"I congratulate The Perth Mint on creating a world-class educational and tourist destination."
Fact File
The Perth Mint attracts nearly 80,000 visitors a year
In 2012-13, The Perth Mint refined more than 300 tonnes of precious metals; sold 4.3 million gold, silver and platinum coins; and reported close to $3billion worth of holdings in its depository
The gold exhibition is open daily, with hourly tours from 9.30am to 3.30pm
For more information, visit http://www.perthmint.com.au/visit
Premier's office - 6552 5000
