Who coined the coin? That’s a bit of a historical journey. While the exact individual who invented coinage remains unknown, the first known use of coins is credited to the Lydians, an ancient people who lived in what is now Turkey. One notable example is the Lydian Lion coin, made from silver or gold and engraved with a lion.
Ancient coins like these featured recurring symbols and images to convey meanings and values important to their societies, serving as both daily currency and storehouses of wealth—many of which are now worth thousands. Fast forward to today, and the tradition of using animal motifs on coins continues, blending artistry with symbolism. Iconic examples include the Panda in China and the Bald Eagle in the USA.
The Perth Mint’s journey with animal motifs began with the 1946 release of the shilling, featuring a merino ram designed by George Kruger Gray, an English artist renowned for his coinage designs and stained-glass windows. Over the decades, The Perth Mint has introduced iconic designs such as the kangaroo, koala, and kookaburra. These designs not only convey the broader tradition of using animals to represent interpretive symbolic meanings—like the kangaroo symbolising agility and progress, the koala representing tranquillity and unique charm, and the kookaburra embodying joy and the wild spirit—but also specifically celebrates Australia’s unique wildlife.
It all starts with a talented graphic designer’s concept, which is then meticulousl.