Australian Coins A Brief History and Overview

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Australian Coins A Brief History and Overview
Australian coins have a rich history dating back
to the colonial period when Britain established
the first settlements on the continent. Over the
years, Australian coins have evolved to reflect
the country's economic, social, and cultural
development. This presentation will provide a
brief history and overview of Australian coins.
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History
The first Australian coins were the "holey
dollars" and "dump" coins, which were created in
1813 using Spanish silver dollars. They were
produced to address the shortage of coins in the
colony and were circulated until the mid-1800s.
In 1852, the Sydney Mint was established, and it
began producing Australian sovereigns and
half-sovereigns. Other mints were opened across
Australia, including Melbourne, Perth, and
Brisbane, which produced a variety of
denominations, including shillings, florins, and
pennies.
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Overview
Today, Australian coins are produced by the Royal
Australian Mint and the Perth Mint, and they
include a variety of denominations, materials,
and designs. The Australian dollar is the
official currency and is divided into 100 cents.
The coins currently in circulation include the 5
cent, 10 cent, 20 cent, 50 cent, 1, and 2
coins. The designs on these coins reflect various
aspects of Australian culture, history, and
geography.
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In addition to the standard coins in circulation,
Australia has also produced a variety of
commemorative and special coins. For example, the
Perth Mint produces a range of commemorative
coins, including those celebrating significant
events, historical figures, and popular culture.
The Royal Australian Mint has also produced
special coins, including those to commemorate the
Sydney Olympics in 2000 and the 100th anniversary
of the Royal Australian Navy in 2011.
Special Coins
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Conclusion
Australian coins have a rich history and continue
to reflect the country's economic, social, and
cultural development. The current range of coins
in circulation, as well as the commemorative and
special coins, showcase the diversity and beauty
of Australia's landscape, culture, and history.
Whether collecting or using them for everyday
transactions, Australian coins are an important
part of the country's identity and heritage.
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