PRESS RELEASE: Last Chance to Design Australia’s Next Coin and Win $50,000
With just two weeks remaining, Australians are being invited to put their creativity to the test in what has become one of the country’s richest design competitions.
Would your idea belong in the pockets of millions?
That’s the question Australian Coin Review is asking as the clock ticks down on its $50,000 Coin Design Competition, with entries closing on 30 September.
Open to everyone—from professional artists and graphic designers to school students, collectors and complete beginners—the competition asks entrants to create a modern Australian coin design that could ultimately be transformed into a real struck coin.
More than 1,000 designs have already been submitted by entrants across 11 countries, ranging from breathtaking illustrations of native wildlife to uniquely Australian ideas featuring mullets, Hills Hoists, magpies, Holden cars and even the humble Bin Chicken.
Now, with only weeks remaining, organisers expect a final rush of entries.
“This has been far more than a design competition,” said Scott Waterman, Editor-in-Chief of Australian Coin Review.
“It’s become a celebration of Australian identity. Every week we’ve opened our inbox to ideas we never could have imagined—some beautiful, some hilarious, and some genuinely capable of becoming an Australian coin.”
The competition commemorates the 60th anniversary of Australian Coin Review’s famous 1966 Swan Dollar competition, which produced one of Australia’s most recognisable numismatic designs.
This year’s revival carries considerably higher stakes.
The winning entrant will receive $50,000, with second and third prizes of $5,000 and $1,000 respectively.
Adding further prestige, the Royal Australian Mint has joined the project, assisting with judging and working alongside Australian Coin Review as the winning concept progresses towards production. Selected entries will also be showcased in the Mint’s gallery following the competition.
Unlike many design competitions, artistic perfection isn’t the only goal.
Entrants are simply asked to create “a design of any nature suitable to Australia, and the words AUSTRALIA 2027.”
That freedom has produced an extraordinary variety of concepts, from intricate depictions of Australian wildlife and landscapes to playful interpretations of modern Australian culture.
Whether inspired by a kookaburra, a surf beach, a family barbecue or something never before seen on a coin, organisers say originality matters just as much as artistic skill.
“We’ve seen professional-level artwork sitting alongside drawings from children,” Waterman said.
“The common thread has been imagination. If you’ve got a great idea, don’t assume you’re not good enough. Put it on paper and send it in.”
The winning design is expected to be revealed early next year before progressing towards minting, giving one Australian the rare opportunity to see their idea transformed into an official collectable coin.
With entries closing on 30 September, organisers say this is the final opportunity to be part of a competition they hope won’t need another 60 years before returning.
Full competition details and entry information are available at www.australiancoinreview.com.au/competitions.
