Australia’s Two Great Mints — But Very Different Purposes
Australia is home to two world-class mints — the Royal Australian Mint (RAM) in Canberra and the Perth Mint in Western Australia.
While both produce legal tender coins, they serve very different audiences.
The Royal Australian Mint is the nation’s official coin manufacturer, striking all circulating coins for daily use.
The Perth Mint, meanwhile, focuses on precious metal bullion and premium investment coins that appeal to global investors and collectors.
Understanding the difference helps collectors make smarter buying decisions — whether you’re chasing cultural collectibles or high-value silver and gold.
1️⃣ The Royal Australian Mint (RAM)
Location: Canberra, ACT
Established: 1965
Focus: Circulating and commemorative legal tender
The Royal Australian Mint produces every coin that enters Australian circulation — from the $2 Red Poppy to the classic 5c and $1 coins.
Beyond circulation, RAM also mints a wide range of limited-edition collector issues, often featuring Australian history, heritage, and pop culture icons.
Recent Highlights:
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2025 Bluey Christmas Coins (pop-culture collectables)
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2025 Red Poppy Wreath Collection (WWII commemoration)
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2025 Torres Strait Islander Flag $2 Coin (heritage tribute)
Target Audience: Everyday Australians, collectors, and families.
Why Collectors Love RAM Coins:
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Authentic national themes
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Affordable entry price points ($10–$100)
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Limited mintages under 150,000
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Officially recognised legal tender
RAM releases appeal to story-driven collectors — people who value design, meaning, and Australian identity as much as potential profit.
2️⃣ The Perth Mint
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Established: 1899 (by the British Royal Mint)
Focus: Bullion, precious metals, and high-end numismatics
The Perth Mint is world-renowned for its investment-grade gold, silver, and platinum coins. It produces both collector issues and globally traded bullion such as the Kangaroo, Kookaburra, and Lunar Series.
Recent Highlights:
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2025 Australian Kangaroo Gold Bullion Coin
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2025 Lunar Dragon Series (Year of the Snake 2025)
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2025 Wedge-Tailed Eagle Silver Proof
Target Audience: Precious metal investors and premium collectors.
Why Collectors Love Perth Mint Coins:
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Pure gold and silver content
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Globally recognised bullion
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Ultra-low proof mintages (often under 5,000)
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Exceptional design and craftsmanship
Perth Mint coins blend aesthetic appeal with intrinsic metal value, making them ideal for those who collect with both heart and strategy.
3️⃣ Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Royal Australian Mint | Perth Mint |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1965 | 1899 |
| Location | Canberra (ACT) | Perth (WA) |
| Primary Focus | Circulating + commemorative coins | Bullion + precious metal numismatics |
| Ownership | Australian Government | WA State Government |
| Metal Content | Base metals, silver, gold | Precious metals (99.9%+) |
| Themes | History, heritage, pop culture | Wildlife, zodiac, premium art |
| Average Mintage | 75,000–150,000 | 2,500–10,000 |
| Average Price Range | $10–$150 | $100–$3,000+ |
4️⃣ Which Mint Is Right for You?
If you’re a collector who loves meaning, design, and storytelling — the Royal Australian Mint is your home.
If you’re an investor who prefers metal-backed value and international prestige — explore Perth Mint bullion.
Many COINSUPLY customers collect from both — building a balanced portfolio of commemorative, proof, and bullion-grade coins.
5️⃣ Why COINSUPLY Stocks Both
COINSUPLY partners with both mints to offer collectors and investors the best of both worlds — RAM’s limited cultural releases and Perth Mint’s premium metal editions.
That means:
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Verified authenticity
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Secure Australian supply
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Access to both collector-grade and investment-grade coins
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One trusted platform
🛒 Explore All Royal Australian Mint Coins
🛒 Explore All Perth Mint Coins
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🪙 From cultural classics to gold-backed icons — discover the difference between the Royal Australian Mint and the Perth Mint at COINSUPLY, and build a collection that shines on both sides of Australia’s minting heritage.