Information about mint: Sydney Mint

The Sydney Mint in Sydney, Australia, is the oldest public building in the Sydney Central Business District. Built between 1811 and 1816 as the southern wing of the Sydney Hospital, it was then known as the Rum Hospital. In 1854 a mint was established on the site with the hospital building used to house mint staff as well as providing a residence for the Deputy Mint Master. A coining factory was built at the rear. Both of these structures have exceptional heritage significance and have been associated with major events in New South Wales history.

The British Secretary of state gave acceptance to the colonial government to establish a mint in Sydney which was to be the first branch of the Royal Mint outside England. The rear side of the mint became the coining factory. There were frequently major upgrades on the mint during the late 1800s and the early 1900s. However, by 1926, with the Melbourne and Perth Mints having much better technology and being more profitable, the mint was closed.

Dot below the bottom scroll on the reverse of Australian One Penny coin (1920 only).

Small letter S, located:
- under the monarch's effigy on the obverse of gold Sovereigns of the older St George type
- on the obverse of gold Sovereigns of the St George type: on the ground, below the horse's hoof and above the centre of the date
- under the shield on the reverse of gold Sovereigns and Half sovereigns of the Shield type (below the wreath but above the rose)

On some coins, the Sydney Mint did not have a mint mark.

Five-pointed star above the date of 1921 Australian shilling.

The words "SYDNEY MINT" were prominently displayed on the Australian gold Sovereign and Half Sovereign coins.