1. THE DESIGN

After consultation with the client, with a drawing of the proposed design. The artist needs particular skills to produce a drawing which will translate successfully to a minted, relief design. Optional special treatments, including colour and 24-carat gilding, are also planned at this stage.

the process starts

2. THE PLASTER

From the drawing, the artist sculpts a detailed, three dimensional plaster model, at approximately 20 - 25cm in diameter. A soft rubber mould is then taken from the plaster model and used to make an epoxy resin pattern.

3. THE STEEL TOOL

Traditionally, the pattern is then placed on a reducing machine, which uses a stylus to trace the relief of the design. A cutter at the reduction end of the machine mimics the movement of the stylus, reproducing the design in steel. The Perth Mint’s computer-controlled engraving machine is a modern and significantly quicker alternative. Once the coin design is created in advanced modelling software, it uses the 3D relief data to cut the design direct into plaster, resin or steel.

4. THE MASTER TOOL

A hydraulic press is used to press the reduction punch several times into the cone-shaped end of a steel billet to produce the matrix. Between each pressing, the tool-maker moves metal into the weak spots of the design. Then the engraver brings up the detail using hand engravers and small punches, and removes any tool marks from the background table area. Using the same process, this matrix is used to produce the working punch (master die), which is then used to produce the working dies.

The Minting ProcessThe Perth Mint’s renowned standards of excellence and innovation can be applied to pure precious metals - gold, platinum and silver - as well as to the base metal aluminium bronze.Whatever your requirement, little can surpass the significant sense of occasion and memorability of a coin or medallion struck to your own, unique requirements.From small projects to large, the comprehensive service provided by The Perth Mint, from the initial design through to presentation packaging, makes the entire process easy for the customer and delivers an outstanding product at a cost which will pleasantly surprise.

A History of ExcellenceMany know The Perth Mint best for its role as Australia’s precious metals mint, the producer of Australia’s legal tender bullion coins.But the fact is that, since it was established in 1899 to turn the fruits of the Western Australian gold rush into millions of sovereigns for the British Empire, it has also produced coins, medallions, bars, tokens and other commemorative pieces for a wide range of institutions, corporations, associations and private clients.

5. THE DIE

The working dies are prepared for whichever finish is required. To create frosted areas, the die is covered with transparent tape which is then cut away over the area to be frosted. The exposed area is then sandblasted, the tape is removed, and the remaining area of the die is polished, using various grades of wooden lapping sticks and diamond paste. To protect the surface, the face of the die is then hand chrome-plated to a depth of 3 - 4 microns.

7. THE STRIKING

The press is set up with a top and bottom die and collar with a bore manufactured to form the edge. The blanks are placed over the collar bore and the press activated to strike each piece as many times as required to achieve the specified finish. Close examination by specialist inspectors ensures that coins of only the highest quality are approved for delivery.

6. THE BLANK

The quality and precision of the blank is fundamental to the success of the final product. With unrivalled experience in blank production, The Perth Mint will ensure your blanks meet the required specification of purity, mechanical properties, surface texture, microstructure, homogeneity, weight and freedom from contamination. A huge range of blank sizes and shapes are available.

8. COLOURED FINISH

A specially adapted pad printing technique is used to colour coins and medallions. Successive layers of coloured inks are applied to create the finished image. Even the most complex coloured images are reproduced clearly and accurately using this technique, developed by The Perth Mint. Inks are mixed with hardener which cures to leave an exceptionally durable finish.

CREATE YOUR OWN UNIQUE COINS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS AND OCCASIONS

Private minting services from The Perth Mint

The Perth Mint, founded as a branch of the Royal Mint in 1899, produced millions of gold thsovereigns and large amounts of Australian currency during the 20 century. Acquired by

the Government of Western Australia in 1970 and empowered by the Commonwealth Government in 1986 to issue gold, silver and platinum legal tender, it is renowned internationally for the outstanding quality of its collector and investor coins which reflect a long tradition of minting excellence.

The Perth Mint Est. 1899

310 Hay Street, East Perth, WA 6004, AustraliaPO Box 6297, East Perth, WA 6892, AustraliaTelephone: (61 8) 9421 7222Facsimile: (61 8) 9221 3812Email: info@perthmint.com.auWebsite: www.perthmint.com.au

The year-dates on the coins do not necessarily indicate the year of release or the year in which they were minted. Although every care has been taken in the preparation of this publication, The Perth Mint and its affiliates cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of any statistic, statement or representation made. The Perth Mint and its affiliates cannot accept any liability for any loss suffered as a result of any action whatsoever taken by any person based on this publication.

The Perth Mint complies with the requirements of AS/NZS ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System for the design, manufacture and marketing of coins, medallions, tokens and blanks. (Certificate No. QEC21236.)

SELECT FROM A WIDE VARIETY OF OPTIONS AND FINISHES

SELECTIVE GILDING

Highlighting design elements with selective 24-carat gilding achieves stunning results.

ANTIQUE

This finish adds deep tone with a grained effect to the surface of the coin for an aged appearance.

BASE METAL COINS

A base metal option is available to satisfy the most cost-conscious requirements. The same care and attention to detail that is given to precious metal coins is applied to base metal projects.

SHAPED COINS

The Perth Mint can produce shaped coins and bars in a large range of weights and sizes. A shaped coin can make an exciting gift or keepsake.

LOCKET COINS

This revolutionary concept makes use of a transparent ‘locket’ to encapsulate free-moving parts, which are visible fromboth sides of the coin.

COLOUR

The minting process reproduces the most complex coloured images clearly and accurately.

PACKAGING

Black display cases and plain white shippers are offered as standard presentation. However, custom-designed cases, themed shippers and Certificates of Authenticity, can be specially designed to meet your needs. BULLION

Like proof coins, a bullion finish also exhibits frosting, but in this case the background or coin table is frosted and the design areas are highly polished. A bullion finish is also referred to as ‘reverse-proof'.

PROOF

Proof coins are struck with highly polished dies with the design areas frosted. Each coin exhibits a brilliant, mirror-like background or coin table, against which, the frosted design elements are defined with exceptional clarity.

OCCASIONS FOR COMMEMORATION?A sales incentive

?A promotional item

?Promote a sporting association

?Commemorate a special event

?A prize for a special achievement

?Mark an important milestone or anniversary

FOR THE CLIENT THE PROCESS IS SIMPLE

When you first contact a member of The Perth Mint’s project management team, we will discuss your product requirements. In doing so, we will offer you examples of a wide variety of product formats, styles and finishes to help you decide on your final product style. We can adapt a design of your choice, a symbol or corporate logo, or we can create a design for you.

As soon as the specifications of your project are clearly defined, we will provide an obligation free quote so you are aware of all costs prior to the start of production. We will also provide you with a timeline so you know when your product will be delivered. Once the quotation is approved, the design and minting process begins, throughout which, your project management team will consult with you regularly.

As well as acquiring precious metals on behalf of its clients, The Perth Mint offers presentation packaging and Certificates of Authenticity as part of its custom minting service. It is also able to negotiate legal tender status with issuing authorities such as the Governments of the Cook Islands and Tuvalu.