6 August 2004

MEDIA RELEASE

Perth Mint scores with Australia’s official FIFA World Cup Germany 2006

The Perth Mint today released four legal tender coins celebrating the 2006 FIFA World Cup, one of the world’s largest sporting events, which will take place from 9 June to 9 July 2006 in Germany.

Four FIFA 2006-dated proof coins have been minted: a unique ‘Holey & Dump’ set and distinctive ¼oz and 1/25oz gold coins.

The Holey Dollar & Dump issue is a unique traditional Australian set. Introduced by Governor in 1813, the Holey Dollar & Dump were the first legal tender coins forms used in Australia. Because British coins were scarce, Macquarie punched out the centre of Spanish eight reale coins (known as pieces of eight) to make two coins known as the ‘Holey Dollar’ and ‘Dump’.

The reverse of the outer FIFA ‘Holey Dollar’ features a border of soccer players with the inscription of 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany. The inner ‘Dump’ depicts a soccer ball.

The 1/4oz gold coin depicts the images of soccer players within the panels of a soccer ball around a central panel featuring a kangaroo. The 1/25oz coin depicts the FIFA World Cup Trophy. Both gold coins also feature the inscription of 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany.

When unveiling the coins this morning, the face of soccer in Australia and SBS Commentator Les Murray said the growth of soccer's appeal in Australia over the past 15 years was nothing short of astonishing. For example, he said, the television audience for the FIFA World Cup grew from two million in 1990 to 14.8 million in 2002. At the same time soccer also grew to be the unchallenged leader of all sports in Australia at the participation level. 2/

“One hopes that, for the first time in the modern era, Australia will be one of the 32 teams in the FIFA 2006 World Cup. With proper preparation and with all our players available, the Socceroos have every chance of being there,” said Les.

Les went on to say, “SBS’ commitment to the FIFA 2006 World Cup is to re-emphasise to Australian audiences the stirring grandeur of the world's most popular sports event. No goal, no tackle, no pass, no dribble will go unseen as SBS will broadcast all 64 matches in full and, mostly, live and put almost 200 hours of television to air, encased in the network's expected expertise in soccer production.”

Perth Mint General Manager Veronica Maguire said the coins were expected to be very popular amongst international and Australian soccer fans alike, as well as coin enthusiasts.

“We are proud to be involved in celebrating this incredibly popular event. Mints from all over the world have been asked to participate in this multi-national commemorative coin program, and we are very honored that FIFA has authorised The Perth Mint to be the issuer of Australia’s official contribution,” she said.

No more than 50,000 silver Holey Dollar and Dump coin sets, struck from 99.9% pure silver in proof quality, will be produced by the Perth Mint, as well as 25,000 1/4oz gold coins and 50,000 1/25oz gold coins, each struck from 99.99% pure gold in proof quality.

The obverse of all four coins features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley.

The recommended retail price of the Silver Holey Dollar & Dump set is $99.00 inc GST, the 1/4oz Gold Coin is $385.00 inc GST and the 1/25oz Gold Coin is $79.00 inc GST.

They are available from The Mint by calling 1800 098 817, on the web at www.perthmint.com.au or through The Perth Mint Shop, Australia Post outlets and selected coin dealers.

Further information: Rachel Stoffers, Professional Public Relations, Ph (08) 9388 9844 / 0401 480 070