The Perth Mint Unveils 2025 Emu Utingat Coin in Celebration of NAIDOC Week
The Perth Mint is proud to present the 2025 Emu Utingat Coin, the fourth release in its acclaimed Indigenous coin series, unveiled during a special NAIDOC Week celebration.
This year’s coin marks a significant milestone as The Perth Mint partners for the first time with contemporary Aboriginal artist Chern’ee Sutton, a proud Kalkadoon woman whose talent has earned international recognition.
Chern’ee’s work has been commissioned by local, state and federal governments, with two of her artworks holding the honour of inclusion in the Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace.
The coin’s launch was marked by a moving ceremony in The Perth Mint forecourt gardens.
Guests were welcomed with an Acknowledgement of Country, followed by a smoking ceremony, and a wonderful dance performance by Corroboree for Life, creating an atmosphere of respect and cultural celebration.
Chern’ee travelled from Bundaberg, Queensland to attend the launch and met with customers and signed certificates, turning their collectables into true treasures.
The 2025 design celebrates the emu, known as ‘Utingat’ in the Kalkadoon language, Australia’s largest and most iconic native bird. The artwork captures the emu’s spiritual journey through life and the diverse landscapes and communities it calls home.
The 2oz silver antiqued coloured coin has a limited mintage of 2,000.
The Perth Mint General Manager Minted Products Neil Vance was confident collectors would love the new design.
"Our Indigenous coin series is one that we are very proud of and one that continues to resonate with our customers worldwide, achieving sell-out status each year," he said.
"We approach each collaboration with deep respect and dedication to ensure First Nations stories are authentically told and embraced.
"We thank Chern’ee for her vibrant design which brings together culture, creativity and connection."
Artist Chern’ee Sutton said it was an amazing project to bring to life.
“I’m so incredibly proud to have collaborated with The Perth Mint to create this limited-edition Emu Utingat coin,” she said.
“It’s such an honour to see my artwork featured in this way, the colours and design came up so beautifully on the silver coin and to have it launched during NAIDOC Week makes it even more special.”
The launch during NAIDOC Week reflects the Mint's commitment to recognising and celebrating the culture and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
This year’s theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,” honours past achievements while embracing a future guided by empowered young leaders, a vision The Perth Mint supports through its Reconciliation Action Plan and meaningful partnerships with First Nations artists and organisations.
Continuing its tradition of supporting Indigenous charities, The Perth Mint is donating $10,000 from the proceeds of the coin to Ruah’s Kambarang Place Aboriginal Women’s Refuge, an organisation providing cultural support and safe accommodation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women escaping domestic violence or crisis situations.
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