Your prices have been refreshed.
Australia's First Gold Rush 175th Anniversary 2026 Stamp and Coin Cover
In honour of the nation's golden milestone, this exceptional stamp and coin cover celebrates the 175th anniversary of Australia’s first gold rush.
Key features:
- $1 aluminium bronze coin
- Commemorative 175th anniversary design
- Australian legal tender
- Official Australia Post stamp and postmark
| Issue Limit | 6,500 |
| SKU | 26Y30AAD |
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.
The design includes iconic elements of gold panning life including a lantern, a pitched tent, a wheelbarrow filled with alluvium, a hand panning for gold, a bucket, and a cradle box pictured on rugged terrain. Surrounding the design is the inscription 'AUSTRALIA’S FIRST GOLD RUSH', accompanied by a stylised border, the 2026 year-date, and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark.
Australia Post stamp
The official Australia Post stamp features artwork of Edward Hammond Hargraves, the man credited with starting the Australian gold rush, painted by Thomas Tyrwhitt Balcombe in 1851. The postmark comprises a crossed shovel and pick axe encircled by the words '21 JULY 2026 ORANGE NSW 2800'.
Presentation envelope
The coin is housed in an illustrated presentation envelope depicting prospectors during the Australian Gold Rush, showing miners using pans, cradles, and sluice boxes to extract gold. Also included is the inscription '175th ANNIVERSARY OF THE GOLD RUSH'.
Specifications
-
Free shipping worldwide
On orders over AUD 300 (excludes bullion)
-
Shop with confidence
30-day money back guarantee (excludes bullion, loose pink diamonds, in-store purchases)
-
Click & Collect
FREE service for all collector coins, bullion, jewellery and gift orders up to AUD 70,000.
-
Safe shopping
Safe and secure payment using 256-bit SSL encryption
-
Privacy
The Perth Mint does not sell, loan or share your personal information
In-store trading
In-person trading is only available in-store. No login/sign up available online.