The 2008 NRL Telstra Premiership season kicked off last night in Sydney. The Royal Australian Mint has joined in the celebrations by releasing an exciting range of official licensed Rugby League centenary collector coins.

“Rugby League holds an important place in the Australian and international sporting history.” said Ms Janine Murphy, Chief Executive Officer Royal Australian Mint.

“Whether you are a player, or a spectator, Rugby League is one of Australia’s favourite sports and we are thrilled to mark this centenary through the release of specially designed coins” said Ms Murphy.

The Centenary of Rugby League coin series includes: (more…)

Senator the Hon Nick Sherry, Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law, today joined with former Governor-General Sir William Deane AC KBE, National President of Scouts Australia and Mr John Ravenhall AM, Chief Commissioner of Scouts Australia to launch a new one dollar coin to mark the centenary of scouting in Australia.

“Scouts Australia was founded 100 years ago. We all know just how big a part of our culture the Scouts have become since then, with over 60,000 scouts spread across the country.

“Launching this coin is a perfect way for everyone in Australia to remember the achievements and contributions of the scout movement founded by Lord Baden Powell over the past century. The Government is very happy to recognise this incredible contribution and has declared 2008 the Year of the Scout”, Minister Sherry said.

The Minister, Sir William and Mr Ravenhall were also joined on the Mint Oval by ten young people representing various scouting groups to reveal a giant model of the commemorative coin. (more…)

Royal Australian Mint - The Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law, Senator Nick Sherry unveiled a fine silver proof $5 2008 Polar Series coin at the head office of the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) in Hobart today.

“The Polar Series of coins marks The 4th International Polar Year 2007-2008. Australia has a proud history of exploration and ongoing involvement in Antarctica, and it is fantastic that the Royal Australian Mint, working with The Royal Society of Victoria, has produced Australia’s coins as part of an international program where a number of countries have issued silver proof coins commemorating the International Polar Year,” Minister Sherry said.

It is the first in a series of three $5 silver proof coins in the Polar Series and features a foreground image of the Antarctic Skua in flight. These large heavily built birds have a reputation of being fierce and aggressive, symbolising the need for strong survival instincts in order to live in the harsh Antarctic environment. The background image shows Australian Antarctic Territory and our scientific research stations. (more…)