Second winner of our story competition announced
The Perth Mint celebrated its 125th anniversary in June, and to commemorate this milestone we called on people to share their Perth Mint stories for a chance to win one of our special 125th Anniversary 1oz Silver Proof coins.
Hundreds of people have shared their stories so far and last month we were delighted to present Vicky Moriarty with our anniversary coin for the beautiful story she shared about her grandfather, Eldon Phillips.
Eldon worked at the Royal Mint for more than 30 years starting in the 1950s, first at its site near the Tower of London and then in Wales when operations moved there in the late 1960s.
Here’s Vicky’s story.
My grandfather turned 100 in 2018. He was a superintendent at the Royal Mint in the UK for over 30 years, working as an engineer on the coin designs, machinery and quality of the coins produced. Having travelled all over the world to provide advice to other Mints on machinery, his first opportunity to visit The Perth Mint was well into his retirement at the age of 92.
When I was returning to the UK for his 100th birthday in 2018, I thought what better way to honour his career and remind him of his trip to Australia than with a memento from The Perth Mint. I visited the gift shop and was directed to the team who make the commemorative medallions. While telling them the story of my Grandpa, they made up a beautiful medallion with his name and birthday on it, listening patiently to me and thanking me for telling them the story.
When he opened the gift on his birthday he was absolutely thrilled. He kept the medallion beside a photo of my grandmother until he passed away in 2020.
Whenever I see The Perth Mint now, I think of my grandfather and how you helped me honour one of the greatest men I have ever known.
And here is a selection of other special stories shared by fans of The Perth Mint.
Julie Power
I couldn’t believe my luck! I was in Perth when the King's Effigy 1oz Australian Kangaroo Silver Proof Coin was being released. I dragged my good friend to queue up in the heat to be one of the lucky ones to buy the coin. I scored #153, I was so happy! Channel 9 News saw my excitement and… I was on the news. I walked out with two other coins as I can never leave without buying more, it’s a very exciting place to visit and shop.
Samuel Gorman
I had been shopping at the Mint in person and online for years without ever doing a tour of the place. For my 27th birthday my girlfriend surprised me with a tour as part of the day. It was a cool experience seeing the One Tonne gold coin and stamping a coin for our visit. It’s a golden memory for us as a couple.
Rochelle Robinson
When I moved to Perth from Bundaberg in Queensland one of the first things I did was visit The Perth Mint. I was in disbelief when I saw the largest coin in the world. Every time I have a family member visit, we go here and I take them on a tour! I have been five times now. I enjoy the gold pour the most! I was so inspired I even purchased my own piece of gold. Thanks to your team and tour guides for being explosively engaging! I love this place and its heritage building!
Tim Caldera
My favourite memory is actually the first time I visited the Mint. We had family friends visiting from the US so we went on a tour. It was amazing to watch the process and learn the history. It also really sticks out to me as this was when my siblings were going through a 'gangster clothes' phase and it still makes me laugh at the photos of them as well as the embarrassment they now feel at wearing them!
There is still one more 125th Anniversary coin to be won so don’t delay, share your story here.
