Australia´s First Gold Rush - 1 Oz - Silver Collector Coin

The legacy of the gold rush

In 1851, the discovery of gold in Ophir, New South Wales, by Edward Hargraves, started Australia's first official gold rush, sparking a wave of migration and leading to rapid development across the country. Thousands of people arrived in search of fortune, leading to population growth, infrastructure development and profound social change. The Gold Rush played a key role in shaping Australia's multicultural identity and economic foundations. In 2026, the country will celebrate the 175th anniversary of this significant moment in its history.

The 175th anniversary theme

The reverse of the coin features a map of Australia with a dot in the centre at Ophir - symbolising the birthplace of the country's first gold rush - and the inscription '175' representing the 175th anniversary. Behind the map, a crossed shovel and pickaxe form a motif that is widely recognized as a symbol of the Australian gold rush.The coin's design depicts typical elements of gold prospectors' lives, such as a lantern, a pitched tent, a wheelbarrow filled with silt, a hand panning for gold, a bucket and a panning bowl against a backdrop of rugged terrain. The outer rim, map, shovel and pickaxe are gilded in 24k gold. The motif is surrounded by the inscription "AUSTRALIA'S FIRST GOLD RUSH", complete with a stylized border, the year 2026 and The Perth Mint's "P" mintmark.

Presentation packaging

The coin is supplied with a numbered certificate of authenticity in a classic display case with transparent lid and illustrated packaging.