2026 $1 Australia's First Gold Rush 175th Anniversary Coin & Stamp Cover PNC (PM)

2026 $1 Australia's First Gold Rush 175th Anniversary Coin & Stamp Cover PNC (PM)

To commemorate the 175th Anniversary of Australia's First Gold Rush, The Perth Mint has just released this Stamp and Coin Cover.

In 1851, the discovery of gold at Ophir in New South Wales by Edward Hargraves sparked Australia's first official gold rush, leading to a wave of migration and rapid development across the country.

Thousands of people arrived in search of fortune, driving population growth, infrastructure expansion, and profound social change.

The gold rush was crucial in shaping Australia's multicultural identity and economic foundations. it drove rapid population growth, increasing from 430,000 in 1851 to 1.15 million by 1861.

In 2026, the nation will celebrate the 175th anniversary of this landmark moment in its history.

The coin's reverse features a map of Australia in the centre with a dot at Ophir - symbolising the birthplace of the nation's first gold rush and the inscription '175' representing the 175th anniversary.

Behind the map, a crossed shovel and pickaxe form a motif widely recognised as a symbol of Australia's gold rush.

The design includes iconic elements of gold panning life including a lantern a pitched tent, a wheelbarrow filled with alluvium, a hand panning for gold, a bucket, and a cradle box pictured on rugged terrain.

Surrounding the design is the inscription 'AUSTRALIA'S FIRSST GOLD RUSH", accompanied by a stylised border, the 2026 year-date, and The Perth Mint's 'P' Mintmark.

Issued as Australian legal tender, the uncirculated aluminium bronze coin is housed in a beautifully designed card with a circular window revealing the coin's reverse and obverse designs.

On the obverse, the coin bears the Dan Thomas effigy of His Majesty King Charles III and monetary domination.

Fixed to the envelope is an official Australia Post stamp which is post marked First Day of Issue and the envelope includes Australia Post's Seal of Authenticity.

Postmarked 21 July 2026, Orange NSW 2800

Denomination :       $1

Metal :                     Aluminium Bronze

Weight :                  13.50 gms

Diameter :               30.70 mm

Mintage :                 6,500

Australia Post Seal of Authenticity

Serial Numbers will vary. Pictures for illustration only.