Australia’s First Gold Rush

175th Anniversary

2026 ¼ oz Gold Proof Coin

Prospectors, fossickers, collectors and historians will all appreciate this gold proof coin commemorating the 175th Anniversary of Australia’s First Gold Rush depicting the original tools used for digging for gold.

Key features:

• Depiction of tools used for digging for gold in 1851
• Issue Limit: 375
• Black lid display case

Product Information:

• Item Code                  26Y28AAA
• Barcode                    9327025063508
• Issue Limit    375
• Release Date           5 May 2026

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.

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.

Technical Specifications