Perth Mint Celebrates 40 Years of Australian Numismatic Excellence with Historic Anniversary Collection
PRESS RELEASE – February 10, 2026
Perth Mint unveils an extraordinary February 2026 collection headlined by the 40th Anniversary of the Australian Nugget Program, alongside prestigious releases spanning Netflix’s Bridgerton series, Australian wildlife tributes, and the continuation of the beloved Lunar Series III.
Four Decades of Gold Heritage Commemorated in Limited Edition Releases
This momentous release honors a pivotal chapter in Australian minting history. The Australian Nugget Program, launched in 1986, represented Perth Mint’s first legal tender gold coin program since sovereign production ceased in 1931. Designed by world-renowned goldsmith Stuart Devlin, the original series celebrated Australia’s rich gold rush heritage through artistic representations of historic natural nuggets.
40th Anniversary Australian Nugget Collection Specifications
1oz Gold Proof Coin:
- Gold Content: 1 troy ounce of 99.99% pure gold
- Maximum Mintage: Ultra-limited to 200 pieces worldwide
- Historic Design: Features the Welcome Stranger, the largest gold nugget ever discovered
- Special Mintmark: Exclusive ‘P40’ anniversary designation
- Designer: Stuart Devlin (reverse), Dan Thorne (obverse)
1/4oz Gold Proof Coin:
- Gold Content: 0.25 troy ounces of 99.99% pure gold
- Issue Limit: 500 pieces (maximum mintage 605)
- Matching Design: Identical Welcome Stranger portrayal in smaller format
1oz Silver Proof Gilded Coin:
- Silver Content: 1 troy ounce of 99.99% pure silver
- Issue Limit: 4,500 pieces (maximum mintage 5,000)
- Premium Feature: 24-carat gold gilding on the nugget and outer rim
The Welcome Stranger nugget, unearthed by prospectors John Deason and Richard Oates at Moliagul, Victoria in February 1869, weighed an astounding 2,284 ounces—so massive it required breaking into three pieces before weighing.
Bridgerton Collection Brings Regency Romance to Precious Metals
Perth Mint expands its Netflix partnership with three exquisite coins inspired by Shondaland’s global phenomenon. Based on Julia Quinn’s bestselling novels, Bridgerton has captivated audiences with its lavish Regency-era romance, inclusive casting, and modern musical interpretations.
House of Bridgerton 2oz Silver Proof Gilded Coin:
- Maximum Mintage: 1,500 pieces
- Distinctive Feature: Bridgerton family crest in 24-carat gilding
- Inscription: “FAMILY BEFORE ALL” motto
- Diameter: Impressive 50.80mm
Lady Whistledown 1oz Silver Coloured Coin:
- Maximum Mintage: 2,000 pieces
- Design Focus: Mysterious gossip writer framed by ornate Regency-style border
- Inscription: “LADY WHISTLEDOWN’S SOCIETY PAPERS”
Queen Charlotte 1/2oz Silver Proof Coin:
- Maximum Mintage: 3,000 pieces
- Authentic Detail: Portrait reminiscent of period coinage
- Inscription: “H.R.H QUEEN CHARLOTTE”
Australian Wildlife Showcased in Wonders of Australia Series
The Outback edition celebrates the continent’s extraordinary biodiversity across 7.68 million square kilometers of varied terrain, home to between 600,000 and 700,000 species—many found nowhere else on Earth.
1oz Gold Proof Opal Coin:
- Maximum Mintage: 200 pieces
- Centerpiece: Authentic Australian opal insert
- Wildlife Featured: Dingo, python, bilby, echidnas, emus, and eight additional native species
- Cultural Significance: Opal known as Australia’s national gemstone and Indigenous “fire of the desert”
1oz Silver Proof Opal Coin:
- Maximum Mintage: 5,000 pieces
- Design: Identical wildlife celebration with genuine opal centerpiece
Both coins incorporate Aboriginal Dreamtime storytelling, honoring the legend that opals were created when a rainbow touched the earth.
Lunar Series III Continues with Year of the Horse
Highlighting the seventh animal in the Chinese zodiac, the 2oz Silver Antiqued Coin honors those born in 2026, 2014, 2002, 1990, and every preceding 12th year—individuals celebrated for independence, charisma, and adventurous spirits.
Technical Specifications:
- Silver Content: 2 troy ounces of 99.99% pure silver
- Maximum Mintage: 1,888 pieces (Issue Limit: 250)
- Design: Galloping horses thundering through water beneath ginkgo branches
- Special Finish: Hand-antiqued surface for aged artifact appearance
- Designer: Ing Ing Jong (reverse), Dan Thorne (obverse)
- Collector Feature: Shipper aligns with entire series to form complete diorama of The Great Race
According to Chinese legend, the horse claimed seventh place after being startled by a snake wrapped around its hoof during the Emperor’s great race—a testament to resilience and determination.
February 2026 Represents Milestone Convergence
The February release strategically balances investment-grade precious metals with licensed entertainment content, Australian cultural heritage, and traditional lunar calendar celebrations—creating portfolio diversity for collectors worldwide.
Secure These Historic Commemoratives
With ultra-limited mintages across gold and silver offerings, February 2026 represents one of Perth Mint’s most significant anniversary releases. The Australian Nugget 40th Anniversary collection, in particular, offers collectors fewer than 200 opportunities to acquire the 1oz gold proof. This makes immediate action essential.
Don’t miss this convergence of numismatic history, entertainment culture, and Australian heritage. Reserve your collection today!
