Australian mint launches ‘golden ticket’ competition in nation’s first ever coin hunt

Now in its fourth month, “Australia’s Dollar Discovery” is the first-ever national coin hunt in the “Land Down Under.”

As an introduction to numismatics, the competition launched last November and encourages people to find some of the three million $1 coins marked with the letters A, U and S and released into circulation last year. Everyone who finds all three marked examples will be entered in the draw for the “major prize,” according to the competition website.

“At a time of growing intangibility, the Royal Australian Mint is delighted to launch a program to encourage a whole new generation of collectors both young and old, who will not only collect these coins but also be reminded of the value of a dollar,” said CEO Ross MacDiarmid.

The competition closes on April 8, and the winners will be drawn on April 30. There will be eight major prize winners – one for each Australian state and territory – and 250 minor prize winners.

Winners will be announced on May 14, which is the 35th anniversary of Australia’s $1 coin.

The 2019-dated coins are now being searched to find the ‘golden ticket.’

BENEFITS OF COLLECTING

A 1,000-person poll commissioned by the mint found most Australians “agree that saving pocket money and collecting coins helps develop patience, persistence and financial literacy, particularly for children,” according to a statement issued by the mint last year.

The poll also found nearly half of today’s adults have nostalgic memories of saving coins in their piggy banks, and six of every 10 people now give children coins to save or collect as a hobby.

“The need to collect is as old as humanity and transcends time and culture,” said MacDiarmid. “Australia’s Dollar Discovery is a nationwide treasure hunt that we hope encourages Australians of all ages and from every state and territory to check their change for these special coins.”

For more information, visit dollardiscovery.com.au.

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