A stone plaque inset into a limestone wall reads 'Royal Mint of Western Australia founded in the 59th year of the reign of Her Majesty Queen Victoria. This stone was laid by the Hon. Sir John Forrest, K.C.M.C. Premier of the Colony 23rd September 1896'

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Foundation Stone

Laid by Premier Sir John Forrest

The foundation stone was laid on 23 September 1896 by Premier Sir John Forrest, with great ceremony.

Black and white image from 1896 showing a group of people formally dressed surrounded by flag bunting, including a large central Union Jack with ER in the centre.

Laying the Foundation Stone of the Royal Mint, Perth Branch

Credit: The Perth Mint

The trowel used by the Premier to lay the Foundation Stone is on display in the Minting Gallery of the Gold Exhibition.

a metal presentation trowel with wood and gold handle is engraved 'Trowel used by the Hon Sir John Forrest KCMC "Premier" of the Colony in laying the Foundation Stone of the Royal Mint of Western Australia 23rd Sept. 1896. Presented by William Atkin, Robert O. Law Contractors.'

Presentation Trowel used by Premier Sir Joh Forrest to lay the Mint's Foundation Stone in 1896

Credit: On loan from the Western Australian Museum

Messrs Atkins and Law had been appointed as the building contractors in June 1896. Their quote for the building was £22,000 (already exceeding Forrest's initial estimation of £15,000), and the completion date was set for June 1897.

Changes to the design appear to have slowed progress as plans were sent to and from London for approval. The Mint buildings were finally completed on 17 October 1898 and Deputy Master John Campbell was handed the key on 11 November 1898 to begin the process of installing and testing the machinery.

Just as well there was a lot of gold in Western Australia to be deposited at the new Mint - the total amount advanced by the government to set up the Mint snowballed in the end to £58,256, plus 3% interest of £1,928 and the £4,000 cost of the land. Overall, a substantial capital outlay for a public building at the turn of the century and a loan that the Mint had to repay.