Entrance gates

Our entrance gates say 'Royal Mint' because until 1970 we were a branch of The Royal Mint in London. The Perth Mint was the third branch mint established by Britain in its gold-rich colonies around Australia. At the height of its colonial activities, Britain established a global network of six branch mints. The Perth MInt is the only one still operating from its original buildings.

Early proposals show more intricate designs were considered for the gates.

Early design proposal for entrance gates
Credit: State Records Office Western Australia

The gates eventually installed were made by Harry and Charles Felton at their blacksmithing business on James Street, Perth.

All gold received in, and transferred out of the Mint went through these gates, which were kept locked unless authorised vehicles required access.

In 1934 an additional vehicle cage, made of ½ inch diameter water pipe to save costs, was added. The external entrance gates would be opened to allow the vehicle to drive inside the cage. The gates were shut behind it and, after security checks were complete, the internal gates were opened. The double gate system prevented unathorised persons sneaking onto the premises.

Delivery at The Perth Mint
Credit: The Perth Mint