The Perth Mint

Statement of Significance

The place is of historical significance as the refinery has operated continuously for 100 years and in that time almost all of the gold produced in WA has passed through its furnaces. Also the mint represents a unique example of a late 19th century factory environment. It is claimed that the Perth Mint is the oldest mint in the world still operating on its original site.

The place is a cogent and unique symbol of Perth and Western Australia's development during the colony's/state's first gold boom, and has remained closely related to teh ebbs and flows of the gold industry throughout the last 100 years.

It contains substantial evidence of the physical apparatus of an Imperialist British branch of the Royal Mint from the period of self government and Federation.

It has remained in use as a mint from its establishment in 1899 to the present day and is now the oldest branch of the Royal Mint operating on its original site in the Commonwealth of Nations.

Refer to Heritage Council of WA documentation for entry in the State Register of Heritage Places.

Physical Description

Two storey symmetrical building of large proportions with contrasting materials and textures. Large, strongly modelled arches, classical columns, loggias and verandahs distinguish this building. The Mint complex comprises a mix of building styles with an affix and a residence to the south of the site and industrial buildings in the northern section of the site. The office fronts out to a grassed forecourt contained by a stone and wrought iron fence on the street frontage.

History

The Perth Mint was opened in 1899 as a branch of the Royal Mint, London, to refine the gold produced from the WA goldrush (1890-1910) and to mint gold coinage.

The building was designed by George Temple Poole and was one of his last designs for the Public Works Department. It was built by Atkins and Law in 1896-98 for 22,199 pounds. The foundation stone was laid by Sir John Forrest on 23 September 1896.

The mint operated continuously for over ninety years and in that time almost all of the gold produced in WA passed through its furnaces.

In1989, a new refinery was established at Newburn, until that point operations at the refinery continued basically unchanged since the mint was founded. Coining machinery was principally hand operated and much of the plant and the craftsman's tools were close to original. The original refinery melt house is still intact. The Perth Mint's refinery is accredited by the London Bullion Market Association, the Tokyo Commodities Exchange and the Comex Division of the New York Mercantile Exchange. The identifying 'P' mint mark is unique to The Perth Mint and has been in use since 1899 in its coinage.

The Perth Mint is the oldest ex branch of the Royal Mint operating and one of the oldest Mints operating on its original site.

Extract from the National Estate

Refer to Heritage Council of WA Documentation for entry in the State Register of Heritage Places. COP Heritage Places File 3.75/310.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity.

Medium level of authenticity as there have been internal changes to the building and it has been restored.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.