The Royal Australian Mint in Canberra is getting into the swing of spring and Floriade with a special ACT bluebell privy mark coin and floral-inspired tours
The special ACT bluebell privy mark will appear on one of the Mint's gallery coin presses for the next four weeks only, throughout Floriade, which is in Commonwealth Park from September 12 to October 11.
It is the first time the Mint will change one of its gallery coin presses mid-year, giving visitors the opportunity to strike their own coin featuring the limited-time design while watching the coin-making process up close.
The privy mark indicates where a coin was minted.
Coins minted in Canberra usuall have a "C" for Canberra mintmark.
On the special coin for Floriade, the "C" will be replaced with a small bluebell privy mark. The Royal Bluebell is the floral emblem of the ACT.
The bluebell privy mark is expected to be a highlight for collectors, with the design available exclusively on the gallery press during the Mint's Floriade About Town celebration.
To mark the launch, one lucky visitor will have the chance to mint the very first coin featuring the bluebell privy mark.
On Saturday, September 12, visitors arriving at the Mint from 7.30am will receive a free numbered wristband, with one number drawn at random. The winner will be invited to mint the first coin, which will then be presented in a specially designed display frame created for the occasion.
The floral theme continues throughout the Mint, with visitors able to explore the Coins in Bloom exhibition and join a free daily tour exploring the flowers that have featured on Australian coins.
From native blossoms to commemorative designs, the tour reveals how flowers have been captured in metal to tell stories about Australia, its people and places.
Visitors can also stop by the Mint Cafe for special Floriade-inspired treats, while the Floriade opening day on Saturday, September 12, will bring even more colour and activity to the celebration.
The event will feature live music, food trucks, face painting, a coin swap and activities for collectors and curious newcomers alike.
The coin swap gives collectors of all ages the chance to expand their collections by exchanging cash for coins, including hard-to-find and coloured circulating coins. For those new to collecting, it offers an easy and affordable introduction to the hobby.
More details on the Floriade-inspired events at the Mint are here.
