An inspiring innovation, sure to take the collector world by storm, the Perth Mint has just unveiled Australia’s first coin to comprise a genuine piece of shimmering abalone shell!

A marine mollusk found in significant numbers in Australian coastal waters, abalone is highly prized – in part due to the beauty of its shell. Formed from nacre – also known as Mother of Pearl – the interior of the abalone shell is iridescent in many species, and can exhibit astonishingly beautiful colours. Ranging from cobalt blues to purples, creams and pinks, the shimmering hues of the abalone shell have entranced human beings for thousands of years.