5. THE DIE The Minting Process The working dies are prepared for whichever finish CREATE YOUR OWN UNIQUE is required. To create frosted areas, the die is covered The ’s renowned standards of with transparent tape which is then cut away over FOR SPECIAL EVENTS AND OCCASIONS the area to be frosted. The exposed area is then excellence and innovation can be applied sandblasted, the tape is removed, and the remaining to pure precious metals - gold, platinum area of the die is polished, using various grades and silver - as well as to the base metal of wooden lapping sticks and diamond paste. aluminium bronze. To protect the surface, the face of the die is then hand chrome-plated to a depth of 3 - 4 microns. Whatever your requirement, little can surpass the significant sense of occasion and memorability of a or medallion struck to your own, unique requirements. From small projects to large, the comprehensive service provided by 6. THE BLANK The Perth Mint, from the initial design 1. THE DESIGN The quality and precision of the blank is fundamental through to presentation packaging, makes The Perth Mint Est. 1899 After consultation with the client, the process starts to the success of the final product. With unrivalled the entire process easy for the customer with a drawing of the proposed design. The artist experience in blank production, The Perth Mint will and delivers an outstanding product at needs particular skills to produce a drawing which ensure your blanks meet the required specification will translate successfully to a minted, relief design. of purity, mechanical properties, surface texture, The Perth Mint, founded as a branch of the in 1899, produced millions of gold a cost which will pleasantly surprise. th Optional special treatments, including colour and microstructure, homogeneity, weight and freedom sovereigns and large amounts of Australian during the 20 century. Acquired by 24-carat gilding, are also planned at this stage. from contamination. A huge range of blank sizes the Government of Western in 1970 and empowered by the Commonwealth and shapes are available. Government in 1986 to issue gold, silver and platinum , it is renowned internationally for the outstanding quality of its collector and investor coins which reflect a long tradition of minting excellence.

2. THE PLASTER From the drawing, the artist sculpts a detailed, three dimensional plaster model, at approximately 7. THE STRIKING 20 - 25cm in diameter. A soft rubber mould is then The press is set up with a top and bottom die and collar taken from the plaster model and used to make an with a bore manufactured to form the edge. The blanks epoxy resin pattern. 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.

3. THE STEEL TOOL Traditionally, the pattern is then placed on a reducing 8. COLOURED FINISH machine, which uses a stylus to trace the relief of the A specially adapted pad printing technique is used design. A cutter at the reduction end of the machine to colour coins and medallions. Successive layers mimics the movement of the stylus, reproducing the of coloured inks are applied to create the finished design in steel. The Perth Mint’s computer-controlled image. Even the most complex coloured images are engraving machine is a modern and significantly quicker reproduced clearly and accurately using this alternative. Once the coin design is created in advanced technique, developed by The Perth Mint. Inks 310 Hay Street, East Perth, WA 6004, Australia modelling software, it uses the 3D relief data to cut the are mixed with hardener which cures to leave PO Box 6297, East Perth, WA 6892, Australia design direct into plaster, resin or steel. an exceptionally durable finish. Telephone: (61 8) 9421 7222 Facsimile: (61 8) 9221 3812 Email: [email protected] Website: www.perthmint.com.au

A History of Excellence 4. THE MASTER TOOL The year-dates on the coins do not necessarily indicate the year of release or the year in which A hydraulic press is used to press the reduction punch Many know The Perth Mint best for its role as Australia’s they were minted. Although every care has been taken in the preparation of this publication, several times into the cone-shaped end of a steel billet precious metals mint, the producer of Australia’s legal The Perth Mint and its affiliates cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of any statistic, to produce the matrix. Between each pressing, the tool- statement or representation made. The Perth Mint and its affiliates cannot accept any liability for any Private minting services from The Perth Mint tender bullion coins. maker moves metal into the weak spots of the design. loss suffered as a result of any action whatsoever taken by any person based on this publication. Then the engraver brings up the detail using hand But the fact is that, since it was established in 1899 The Perth Mint complies with the requirements of AS/NZS ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management engravers and small punches, and removes any tool to turn the fruits of the Western Australian gold rush System for the design, manufacture and marketing of coins, medallions, tokens and blanks. marks from the background table area. Using the same into millions of sovereigns for the , it has (Certificate No. QEC21236.) process, this matrix is used to produce the working also produced coins, medallions, bars, tokens and other punch (master die), which is then used to produce the working dies. commemorative pieces for a wide range of institutions, corporations, associations and private clients. FOR THE CLIENT SELECT FROM A WIDE VARIETY OF OPTIONS AND FINISHES 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 SHAPED COINS PROOF ANTIQUE of a wide variety of product formats, styles and finishes The Perth Mint can produce shaped coins Proof coins are struck with highly polished dies This finish adds deep tone with a grained to help you decide on your final product style. We can and bars in a large range of weights and with the design areas frosted. Each coin exhibits effect to the surface of the coin adapt a design of your choice, a symbol or corporate sizes. A shaped coin can make an exciting a brilliant, mirror-like background or coin table, for an aged appearance. logo, or we can create a design for you. gift or keepsake. against which, the frosted design elements are defined with exceptional clarity. 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. COLOUR As well as acquiring precious metals on behalf of its LOCKET COINS SELECTIVE GILDING The minting process reproduces clients, The Perth Mint offers presentation packaging This revolutionary concept makes use Highlighting design elements with selective the most complex coloured images and Certificates of Authenticity as part of its custom of a transparent ‘locket’ to encapsulate 24-carat gilding achieves stunning results. clearly and accurately. minting service. It is also able to negotiate legal free-moving parts, which are visible from tender status with issuing authorities such as the both sides of the coin. Governments of the Cook Islands and Tuvalu.

PACKAGING Black display cases and plain white shippers are offered as standard presentation. OCCASIONS FOR However, custom-designed cases, themed shippers and Certificates of Authenticity, COMMEMORATION BASE METAL COINS BULLION can be specially designed to meet your needs. A base metal option is available to satisfy the most Like proof coins, a bullion finish also exhibits ?A sales incentive cost-conscious requirements. The same care and frosting, but in this case the background attention to detail that is given to precious metal or coin table is frosted and the design ? coins is applied to base metal projects. areas are highly polished. A bullion finish is A promotional item also referred to as ‘reverse-proof'.

?Promote a sporting association

?Commemorate a special event

?A prize for a special achievement

?Mark an important milestone or anniversary