It's time to check your change, Australia - something very special is heading your way!
To celebrate 60 years of decimal currency, the Royal Australian Mint has released a limited-edition $1 circulating coin with a clever twist on an Aussie icon.
At first glance, it looks just like the familiar one-dollar coin we've all known since 1984. But look closer - there's a new face in the crowd.
The new design, called the 'Mob of Six Roos', adds a sixth kangaroo to the beloved composition created by master designer Stuart Devlin, marking each decade since the introduction of dollars and cents in 1966.
Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, the Hon. Dr Andrew Leigh MP, said the Royal Australian Mint's release of the new 'Mob of Six Roos' one-dollar-coin marked a historic occasion.
"The 'Mob of Roos' coin has been part of Australian life since 1984, and this elegant update acknowledges both sixty years of decimal currency and the enduring strength of Stuart Devlin's original design.
"Living in Canberra, I'm reminded most mornings how closely kangaroos are woven into everyday Australia - my regular run usually takes me past at least half a dozen. It's fitting that an animal so familiar in our landscape remains at the centre of one of our most recognisable coins.
"I thank the skilled team at the Royal Australian Mint for the care and expertise behind this anniversary release, and I encourage Australians to keep an eye on their change for this distinctive new dollar."
Royal Australian Mint Chief Executive Officer Emily Martin said it was a way of celebrating a truly Australian story.
"Most people might not notice the change straight away, and that's part of the fun. When you find one, you'll know you're holding a piece of our shared history.
"This is the first time since the $1 coin's introduction in 1984 that we've made a change to its iconic design. It's a moment that connects past and present - celebrating not just our coins, but the creativity and craftsmanship behind them.
"It's a subtle change, and we encourage everyone to check their change to see if they can find one of these anniversary coins," Ms Martin said.
While the $1 coin didn't appear until 1984, kangaroos have hopped across Australia's coins since the very start of decimal currency - and even earlier on pre-decimal coins.
