A Coin With Deep Roots: Perth Mint's 2026 Quarter Sovereign Marks a Royal Centenary
The Perth Mint opened in 1899 as a branch of Britain's Royal Mint. Its original purpose was straightforward — strike sovereigns from Western Australian gold. Over the next three decades, more than 106 million sovereigns were produced there, each carrying Benedetto Pistrucci's St George and the dragon on the reverse. That design dates to 1817 and has barely changed since.
This 2026 quarter sovereign draws on all of that rich history.
The reverse of this coin, designed by Jennifer McKenna, shows a naked warrior on horseback, sword raised above a dragon, set within a decorative circle of raised dots. It's a contemporary take on the Pistrucci tradition rather than a direct copy — cleaner, with the Perth Mint's own character. The AUSTRALIA inscription, the 2026 year-date and Perth Mint's 'P' mintmark sit alongside a privy mark bearing the number '100', placed in recognition of what would have been the 100th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The obverse carries Dan Thorne's effigy of His Majesty King Charles III.
The coin is struck from 91.67% gold — the same fineness as the original sovereigns — with a gold content of 0.059 Troy oz and a gross weight of 1.997g. It measures 14.20mm in diameter, 1.60mm thick. The issue limit is 1,500 coins, with a maximum mintage of 1,750. Each comes in a presentation case with a numbered certificate of authenticity.
At $625.00, this sits at an accessible point for a proof gold coin with genuine historical context. Sovereign collectors will notice the fineness and format immediately. For those newer to gold collecting, it's a well-made piece with a specific story attached — not just a commemorative, but a coin type with 125 years of history behind it.
The numbered certificate means each coin has a verified place in the issue. When the 1,500 are gone, that's it.
Available now at Mint Coin Shop.
