The Government will give away a Centenary of Federation Coin Set to every baby born in Australia on 1 January 2001 and for those born on the 31 December 2000, the Minister for Financial Services & Regulation, Joe Hockey, announced today.
"This is a great momento to commemorate the birth of our newest Australians of the year 2001, and the 100th birthday of our nation," the Minister said.
"I encourage all new parents to apply for a set, and to those grandparents whose sons and daughters might not know about this offer."
The baby coin set comprises six coins representing the designs of all circulating pieces from the year. The 2001 coin set highlights the Centenary of Federation, featuring two commemorative coins the $1 with the official Centenary of Federation logo and the 50 cent depicting Australia's coat of arms.
Complementing the coins is a bronze medallion that features a mother koala caring for her baby. A blank reverse side allows for an appropriate inscription. The coins are also attractively packaged with space for the baby's photograph and family tree.
Parents of babies born on 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2000 should contact the Royal Australian Mint on 1300 652 020 or facsimile 02 6202 6953 for an application form from 4 January until 29 April 2001.
This must be completed together with a certified true copy of the birth certificate to obtain a free baby coin set.
Photographs of the sets are available from AAP Image Website at http://aapimage.aap.com.au or call 1800 644 348.