2026 $1 Origins of Australian Coin - Tribute to the Holey Dollar $1 UNC Coin
Mintage 35,000
A Tribute to the Spanish Silver Dollar — Australia’s First Coin
In 2026, Mexico and Australia mark 60 years of diplomatic relations, celebrating a partnership built on cultural exchange, shared values, and a deepening economic and social connection. It is a milestone that invites reflection not only on modern ties, but on the historical threads that quietly link the two nations across centuries.
To mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Australia, the Royal Australian Mint presents a special tribute to the coin that shaped Australia’s earliest currency history — the Spanish silver dollar, famously transformed into the 1813 Holey Dollar.
Struck throughout the Spanish Empire, including the renowned Mexico City Mint, these silver dollars became the foundation of Australia’s first official coinage when Governor Lachlan Macquarie repurposed them to create the Holey Dollar and Dump. This release honours that historic connection, celebrating the shared heritage, trade, and global movement that linked Mexico and Australia long before formal diplomatic ties began.
The coin is presented on a Royal Australian Mint‑designed collector card, featuring artwork inspired by the Spanish silver dollar, the Mexico City Mint, and the 1813 Holey Dollar. The card highlights the 60‑year diplomatic milestone between Mexico and Australia, combining modern graphic elements with historical motifs.
The reverse of the card includes the coin’s specifications and a short historical overview, providing collectors with context and authenticity. The packaging follows RAM’s established style for base‑metal
