A visit to Canberra just won’t be the same without a visit to the Royal Australian Mint with kids. A chance to look up Ramint coins and notes just can’t be missed, with many valuable and rare Australian coins on display to see and learn about. Join a free guided tour and learn all about this Australian mint, Australian coins, and even the Australian penny value!

Royal Australian Mint with Kids

We’ve visited the Royal Australian Mint with kids a few times but must admit to skipping it on our last few trips, oblivious to its renovation and incredible new exhibits. However, this Australian mint found itself back on our itinerary after Striker became curious about rare Australian coins and was keen to check them out again at Ramint (Royal Australian Mint). We were so surprised to find such a dramatically different place than our last visit.

Don’t forget to check out our full coverage of things to do in Canberra with kids

Ramint Coins and Notes

Can you believe that Ramint (Royal Australian Mint) has produced over 15 billion coins since it was opened way back in 1965? 15…..BILLION! They have been collected all over the world, used as currency all across Australia and even returned to be melted down when they are showing signs of wear.

There are three main types of coin categories created within Ramint (Royal Australian Mint): Circulating Coins, Collector Coins and Investment Coins. Some are valuable Australian coins, some not so much.

Circulating Coins

Circulating coins produced at Ramint – Royal Australian Mint, are the mass-produced coins that are used every day across Australia. These coins are typically made from base metals such as aluminum, copper, and nickel, with a strike rate of around 650 per minute (can I have 5 minutes of $2 coins please?). The coins usually remain unchanged each year, with commemorative coins released at different points to symbolise individuals, organisations, and events that have a significant impact on Australia.

Collector Coins

Collector Coins are still legal tender in Australia but they are produced with a range of unique finishes and broad themes different to circulating coins. They are typically produced for the collector and gift markert, or as a souvenir of your visit to the Ramint!

Investment Coins

So when it comes to valuable Australian coins, your investment coins would be included under that category. Formed from precious metals, they are still produced in large quantities but are an easy way to enter the gold and metal markets, or perhaps just as a great gift idea.

Premium Products

Ramint – Royal Australian Mint’s premium products are both Valuable Australian coins and Rare Australian coins. They are Canberra Mint’s most valuable products, created from precious metals with small mintages.

Exploring Ramint – Royal Australian Mint

The best way to explore the Royal Australian Mint is to join one of their free public guided tours. Led by one of the Ramint team, the tour lasts for around 30 minutes and leads you through the Royal Australian Mint where you and the kids will learn about the Valuable and Rare Australian coins in the collection, the history of coin use in Australia and a glimpse into the process of coin making.

On our tour, we learned about the Australian penny value, the rarest Australian coins, how coin designs are selected and a few little-known facts about notes as well.

Ramint with Kids

When arriving at the Royal Australian Mint, make sure you grab a copy of the Mint Activity Book and a pencil for each child so they can complete the activities and treasure hunt as you explore Ramint. Sunshine had an absolute blast filling it out and uncovering each clue. It will keep them engaged while you work through each exhibit.

Visitors also have a chance to mint their own $1.00 coin. For $3.00 you can punch the design onto the coin which comes with a souvenir package. They’re not really valuable Australian coins, but they do make a great souvenir.

Eating at the Royal Australian Mint

Feeling hungry but not quite ready to stop talking about Australian coins? Ramint has its very own spot to grab a meal – @ the Mint. Offering a range of fresh cakes, sandwiches, salads and warm pastries, as well as a range of drinks, it’s a great place to sit and reflect on your adventure over a bite to eat.

Visiting Ramint – the Details

Address: Denison St, Deakin ACT 2600
Price: FREE
Website: ramint.gov.au

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