Australia has struck a moment in history today, as the Royal Australian Mint marked 60 years since the nation first ‘changed its change’ — from pounds, shillings and pence to dollars and cents — with the launch of its 2026 Mintmark Suite.
In a nod to the excitement of that transformative time, more than 500 eager coin enthusiasts gathered at the Mint in Canberra, hoping to strike the very first 2026 coin anywhere in the world.
The honour went to eight-year-old Julius Jungerth, from Melbourne, who proudly took home the first collectible coin celebrating six decades of Australia’s decimal currency.
“It’s really exciting to be the first person to make their coin today. I can’t wait to show my friends when I get home,” Julius said.
The commemorative design brings together the beloved animals from Stuart Devlin’s original 1966 coin designs — the feathertail glider (or sugar glider possum), frilled-neck lizard, echidna, lyrebird, platypus, emu, kangaroo and Southern Cross — united on one coin in a nostalgic tribute to the changeover that defined the nation.
Royal Australian Mint Chief Executive Officer Emily Martin said today’s event was a fitting way to celebrate a milestone that shaped modern Australia.
“For many Australians, the changeover to decimal currency in 1966 was more than a new way to count — it was a symbol of progress and optimism, as well as striking a piece of our own identity,” Ms Martin said.
“Stuart Devlin was described as the designer with the Midas touch. He was an artist who transformed the everyday [coins in your pocket] into something extraordinary, earning him the title of Goldsmith and Jeweller to the Queen.
“This year’s Mintmark Suite celebrates that spirit of ingenuity and national pride that still shines through our coins today.”
Once minted, the first coin was carefully set into a handcrafted display featuring a piece of parquetry salvaged from the Mint’s heritage-listed floor during recent maintenance — connecting Australia’s past with its present.
The first 100 coins minted today also came with certificates of authenticity, adding to the sense of occasion and collectibility.
Australia’s decimal changeover on 14 February 1966 remains one of the most successful currency transitions in history — helped along by the memorable “Dollar Bill” campaign and the enduring designs that have jingled in pockets ever since.
As the Mint celebrates 60 years of decimal currency, it continues the story that began in 1966 — of innovation, artistry and a shared national moment that still brings Australians together, one coin at a time.
The Mint is open throughout the holiday period and members of the public are welcome to go in and mint their own commemorative coin on the gallery press.
For further information and opening hours, visit www.ramint.gov.au.
2026 $1 'C' Mintmark Coin - Australian Decimal Currency 60th Anniversary
Celebrating 60 years of decimal currency, the commemorative design brings together the beloved animals from Stuart Devlin’s original 1966 coin designs — the feathertail glider (or sugar glider possum), frilled-neck lizard, echidna, lyrebird, platypus, emu, kangaroo and Southern Cross — united on one coin in a nostalgic tribute to the changeover that defined the nation.
Eight-year-old Julius Jungerth, from Melbourne, proudly took home the first collectible coin celebrating six decades of Australia’s decimal currency – minted this morning at the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra.
