Gold rush legacy

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

175th anniversary design

The coin’s reverse features a map of Australia in the centre with a dot at Ophir—symbolising the birthplace of the nation’s first gold rush—and the inscription ‘175’ representing the 175th anniversary. Behind the map, a crossed shovel and pickaxe form a motif widely recognised as a symbol of Australia’s gold rush.