The World's First One Dollar Coin Designed to be Donated
By CAA | Tuesday, 1 October 2024
In the lead up to International Day of Charity (September 5th), the Royal Australian Mint released in September 2020 the world's first Donation Dollar: a one dollar coin designed to be donated. According to new research, three in five (57%) Australians say they would be likely to donate this coin if found in their change.
The Mint, as part of its annual release program, distributed millions of these Donation Dollar coins in to circulation. Each of these coins features a green centre with a gold ripple design symbolising the ongoing impact each donation makes to those who need it most.
The Royal Australian Mint has a rich heritage of producing coins to meet the needs of every Australian. So we're extremely proud to introduce the world's first Donation Dollar and tap into the Australian spirit of generosity. Like any other one dollar coin, the cycle of a Donation Dollar is ongoing, as is its potential for positive impact.
If every Australian donated a Donation Dollar just once a month, it has the potential to raise an additional 300 million dollars annually* for those who need it most. So with Australia's support, we believe Donation Dollar has the power to make a real difference.
Ross MacDiarmid, Royal Australian Mint CEO
This concept came after a tumultuous year for Australia, having faced a bushfire crisis, a global pandemic and an economic recession, leaving many Australians in need of a helping hand. According to findings in the Australian Generosity Report, one in five Australians said they'll require some degree of charitable aid over the next 12 months, either for themselves or family.
With two in five Australians saying finding a Donation Dollar in their change would encourage them to give to charity more, the Mint was hoping the new coins could promote charitable behaviours and provide Australians with a tangible way to give back to those who need it most, not just in times of crisis, but all year round, in smaller amounts, more often.
Our immediate reaction when presented with the Donation Dollar was finally an idea that unites every Australian charity, but also every Australian, in a common good. With research showing almost one in five Australians, who don't currently give to charity at all, saying the coin would lead to them giving more to charity, there's no doubt in my mind this is a gift that will benefit those who are most vulnerable in our nation, starting now – a time when many need this kind of helping hand the most.
Tim Costello, Chair of The Community Council for Australia and Former Chief Executive of World Vision Australia
The Donation Dollar was put in circulation both in 2020 and 2021 with the same reverse design with the words Give to Help Others.
The Donation Dollar received two prestigious Good Design Award Winner Accolades in the Social Impact category and Product Design category in recognition for outstanding design and innovation. The Donation Dollar also received, in September 2023, the Best CashTech award at the CashTech Innovation Awards in Türkiye.
Specifications
- Composition: Aluminum bronze
- Weight: 9 g
- Diameter: 25 mm
1 dollar 1999 to 2023 Price Guide
