The Perth Mint is a big name in gold and silver. It makes coins and bars, stores precious metals, and sells to people in Australia and around the world. It is owned by the government of Western Australia.
This guide explains how the Mint works, what you can buy, and what to watch out for.
What Is the Perth Mint?
The Perth Mint started in 1899. It was built to process gold found in Western Australia.
Today, it still does that job. It also makes coins and bars, stores metals for customers, and offers coins for collectors.
The Mint is run by the Western Australian government. That means your gold and silver are backed by the state.
What Does the Perth Mint Do?
Here’s what you can do with the Perth Mint:
- Buy gold, silver, or platinum bars
- Collect special coins
- Store your metals safely
- Use accounts to trade metals without taking delivery
- Visit the Mint in person for tours
Why It Matters to You
1. Trusted Source
You can buy coins and bars that are tested and approved. The Mint checks weight and purity.
2. Safe Storage
If you don’t want to keep your metals at home, the Mint can store them for you. They have strong vaults and offer secure accounts.
3. Government Support
Because the state owns the Mint, your purchase has an extra layer of trust.
4. Global Reach
Perth Mint products are sold around the world. You can buy from nearly anywhere and resell with ease.
5. Collectibles
Some people like to buy rare or limited coins. These coins may grow in value over time.
How It Works: Step by Step
Refining Gold
Miners send gold to the Mint. The Mint cleans and purifies the gold so it meets a high standard.
Making Coins and Bars
The gold is turned into coins or bars. Some are for collectors. Others are for investors.
Testing
Each product is tested to make sure it’s real and pure.
Selling and Exporting
The Mint sells its products in Australia and ships them worldwide.
Storage
Customers can open storage accounts. You can hold metal in your name (allocated) or as part of a larger pool (unallocated).
By the Numbers
The Mint processes most of Australia’s gold.
In 2022–23:
- It handled 244 tonnes of gold
- It sold over 19 million coins and bars
- 86 percent of sales were outside Australia
- It held more than AUD 6 billion in metal for customers
In early 2025, gold product sales went up by 35 percent from the previous month.
What You Can Buy
Gold Bars
These come in many sizes, from small to large. You pay for the gold plus a small extra cost.
Silver and Platinum
You can also buy silver and platinum bars and coins.
Bullion Coins
These are coins made for investment. They often show animals like kangaroos or koalas.
Collector Coins
Some coins are limited-edition. They mark events or special themes. These can become valuable.
How to Buy
You can buy Perth Mint products in a few ways:
- Visit the Mint’s store in Perth
- Shop online at their website
- Use an approved dealer
Before you buy, compare prices. Look at the price of the metal and the added cost.
Storing Your Metal
You can let the Mint hold your metal. This is called a depository service.
You can choose:
- Allocated storage: Your metal is kept in your name
- Unallocated storage: You own a share, not specific bars
Allocated storage is safer but costs more. Unallocated storage is cheaper but comes with more risk.
Read: Bluey Coin Updates 2024-2025: Designs, Theft, and Market Trends
Risks to Know
1. Legal Issues
In 2022, Australian authorities started looking into the Mint. They wanted to know if it was following financial laws.
2. Purity Problems
Some reports said a few gold bars did not meet strict purity rules in China.
3. Past Theft
In 1982, someone stole 49 gold bars. The crime was never solved.
4. Delivery Delays
Some buyers said they had to wait longer than expected to get their gold or silver.
5. Ethics Questions
There were claims the Mint bought gold from places with poor labor or environmental practices.
How to Use the Perth Mint
If you want to get started, here are your options:
- Buy Coins or Bars
You can buy online or from a dealer. - Open a Storage Account
Choose if you want allocated or unallocated storage. - Get Delivery
Ask to have your gold or silver shipped to you. - Collect Coins
Some coins are made for collectors. They may increase in value. - Use Metal for Trade
Some people trade using gold in storage accounts. - Visit the Mint
You can see how coins are made and learn about gold history.
Smart Tips for Buyers
- Check prices before you buy
- Read about how storage works
- Ask questions about where the gold comes from
- Keep records of what you own
- Use trusted dealers
- Watch for updates on legal or safety issues
Why the Perth Mint Still Matters
Even with some problems, the Perth Mint is still one of the biggest and most trusted mints in the world.
It is backed by the government, serves millions of customers, and keeps up with demand for coins and bars.
For people who want gold or silver, the Perth Mint gives many options: buy, collect, store, or trade.
If you plan to invest in precious metals, it helps to know how the Mint works and what to watch for.
FAQs
Is the Perth Mint safe?
Yes. It’s owned by the government. But you should still check reviews and news updates.
Can I buy without visiting Australia?
Yes. You can buy online or through dealers around the world.
What is unallocated storage?
You own a share of a large pool of metal, but not specific bars.
What if I want my gold delivered?
You can request delivery. It may take time and extra fees.
Are Perth Mint coins real gold?
Yes. They are tested and marked with their gold content.
Can I sell my coins later?
Yes. Many people buy and sell Perth Mint coins around the world.
Are collector coins worth more?
Sometimes. Limited coins with special designs may increase in value.
Final Thoughts
The Perth Mint is one of the oldest and largest gold mints still in operation. It gives you many ways to buy and hold gold and silver.
You can shop online, collect coins, or store metals safely. You just need to understand how it works and keep an eye on news or updates.
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