Under a collaborative project that’s been operational for several years, The Perth Mint produces Australian coins for inclusion in special commemoratives issued by Australia Post. Some of the best-known offerings are their extremely popular postal numismatic covers (aka stamp and coin covers) featuring dollar coins struck by the Mint.

Over the past five years, we have also been the exclusive maker of ground-breaking stamp-shaped 1/2oz silver proof coins for Australia Post – the most recent example forming part of the 2012 Australian Olympic Team 1/2oz Silver Proof Stamp-Shaped Coin & Stamp Set.

Australia’s first official stamp-shaped silver coin was made by The Perth Mint for issue by Australia Post in 2008. A spectacular hit with collectors, it celebrated the participation of the then Australian Olympic Team at Beijing with a design dominated by a vividly coloured image of a traditional Chinese dragon.

Australia Post chose the stamp-shaped format to celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2009. The Home Delivery and Early Post Box Stamp-Shaped Coin & Stamp Sets both included stunning examples of the genre – which remain available from The Perth Mint at their original issue prices if you’re interested in adding them to your collection.

In 2010, another tremendously successful set included a stamp-shaped silver coin celebrating the canonization of Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first saint.

To our knowledge, these five releases are the world’s only official stamp-shaped coins (let us know if you have come across any others) currently being enjoyed by collectors.