Gold Coin Perth Mint: Australia’s First Gold Rush 175th Anniversary 1/4 oz Gold 2026 Proof

Perth Mint Gold Coin: Australia’s First Gold Rush 175th Anniversary 1/4 oz Gold 2026 Proof is a collector release commemorating the 175th anniversary of the first gold rush in Australia—an event that played a key role in the country’s economic and social development.

The coin is struck in .9999 fine gold (Au) with a weight of 1/4 troy ounce (7.777 g) and a diameter of 20.60 mm, in Proof quality. It has a face value of 25 Australian dollars, and its maximum mintage is just 500 pieces, underscoring the exclusive nature of the issue.

The coin commemorates the discovery of gold in 1851 in Ophir, New South Wales, by Edward Hargraves, which sparked the first official gold rush in Australia. The event drew thousands of prospectors from around the world, contributing to the country’s rapid development, population growth, and the shaping of its multicultural identity.

Obverse features the effigy of King Charles III by Dan Thorne, as well as inscriptions indicating the face value, weight and gold purity, and the name of the issuing country.

Reverse depicts a map of Australia with Ophir—the cradle of the first gold rush—marked, along with the number “175” symbolizing the anniversary. In the background are crossed mining tools—a shovel and pickaxe—and elements of prospectors’ life such as a lantern, tent, wheelbarrow with paydirt, gold pan, bucket, and a rocker. The design is completed by the inscription “AUSTRALIA’S FIRST GOLD RUSH,” the year of issue, and the Perth Mint “P” mintmark.