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Perth Mint Coin Marks Centenary of May Gibbs’ Classic

2016 Gumnut Babies Centenary, Courtesy Perth Mint
Courtesy Perth Mint

In celebration of the Gumnut Babies centenary, The Perth Mint has released a superb commemorative coin featuring original illustrations of one of Australia’s most treasured children’s authors, May Gibbs.

Struck from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver, the coin is housed in the cover of a specially commissioned limited-edition book, which contains a collection of Gibbs’ most iconic tales.

Creating personalities out of gumnuts, banksias, flowers, and other Australian flora and fauna, and by employing humour to appeal to all ages, Gibbs captured the imagination of children and adults alike.

“People from all over the world have been touched by the legacy of May Gibbs and her imaginative interpretation of our nation’s unique bushland,” said Perth Mint Group Manager Minted Products Neil Vance.

“We are delighted to further bring her stories to life and increase awareness of Australian flora and fauna, through the launch of this exclusive coin and book compilation,” he continued.

Perth Mint May Gibbs' Gumnut Babies centenary Silver Collector Coin

The reverse of the collector coin depicts a color image of seven gumnut babies sitting on a eucalyptus tree branch, surrounded by gumnuts and gum leaves. The design includes the inscription MAY GIBBS GUMNUT BABIES 100TH ANNIVERSARY, and The Perth Mint’s traditional ‘P’ mintmark.

Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the coin features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the 2016 year-date and the monetary denomination on the obverse.

The success of the Gumnut Babies tale encouraged May to write and illustrate more short-stories inspired by Australia’s native flora, and in quick succession the Gum Blossom Babies, Flannel Flower Babies, Boronia Babies, Wattle Babies and others captivated children’s hearts.

A nostalgic collectable for those who grew up adoring May Gibbs’ work and a delightful gift for new generations of her fans, no more than 2,500 of this exclusive coin and book set will be released.

Priced at $129.00, the collectable can be purchased from The Perth Mint at 310 Hay Street in East Perth, by telephoning toll-free 1800 098 817 or by visiting perthmint.com.au.

Collectors can also purchase the release from leading coin dealers and Australia Post outlets.

By purchasing any official May Gibbs merchandise, you can help children and adults with disabilities have access to important services and support to give them the opportunities to live the life they choose.

Each coin has TNS and CPA stamped on them in recognition of disability service providers The Northcott Society and The Cerebral Palsy Alliance, who receive a generous portion of the sales of May Gibbs’ products after the author generously bequeathed this gift.

Perth Mint
Perth Minthttps://www.perthmint.com/
The Perth Mint is Australia’s largest and most highly accredited precious metals enterprise. Through its integrated operations and trusted products and services, it develops markets and creates demand for Australian precious metals the world over. Operating the largest refinery and the only facility in Australia accredited for gold and silver by the London Bullion Market Association, the Mint holds endorsements by commodity trading centres in London, New York, Tokyo, Shanghai and Dubai. The Perth Mint exports in excess of USD14 billion worth of bullion bars and coins to institutional and private investors in more than 130 countries each year and issues an array of legal tender commemoratives for collectors. Offering the world’s only government guaranteed precious metals investment and storage program, the Mint also manages approximately USD3 billion worth of metal held on behalf of some 40,000 clients. Still operating in its original premises, founded in 1899, The Perth Mint is also a premier tourist destination and home to the Guinness Book of Records certified largest coin in the world – the Australian Kangaroo One Tonne Gold Coin, worth more than USD 40 million.

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