{"product_id":"pnc-2026-australias-first-gold-rush-175th-anniversary","title":"PNC 2026 Australia's First Gold Rush 175th Anniversary","description":"\u003cp\u003eTo commemorate the 175th Anniversary of Australia’s First Gold Rush, The Perth Mint is pleased to present this Stamp and Coin Cover. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1851, the discovery of gold at Ophir in New South Wales by Edward Hargraves sparked Australia's first official gold rush, leading to a wave of migration and rapid development across the country. Thousands of people arrived in search of fortune, driving population growth, infrastructure expansion, and profound social change. The gold rush was crucial in shaping Australia’s multicultural identity and economic foundations. It drove rapid population growth, increasing from 430,000 in 1851 to 1.15 million by 1861. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2026, the nation will celebrate the 175th anniversary of this landmark moment in its history. The coin’s reverse features a map of Australia in the centre with a dot at Ophir—symbolising the birthplace of the nation’s first gold rush and the inscription ‘175’ representing the 175th anniversary. Behind the map, a crossed shovel and pickaxe form a motif widely recognised as a symbol of Australia’s gold rush. The design includes iconic elements of gold panning life including a lantern, a pitched tent, a wheelbarrow filled with alluvium, a hand panning for gold, a bucket, and a cradle box pictured on rugged terrain.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMintage 6500\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"M.R.Roberts - Wynyard Coin Centre","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48987956248793,"sku":"26Y30AAD","price":27.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0459\/3218\/3720\/files\/26Y30AAD_1.jpg?v=1784702568","url":"https:\/\/wynyardcoins.com.au\/products\/pnc-2026-australias-first-gold-rush-175th-anniversary","provider":"M.R.Roberts - Wynyard Coin Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}