But wait, there's more! In 1916, the Melbourne Mint began minting Commonwealth silver coins. We're talking threepences, sixpences, shillings, and florins. They even created some rare gems like the 1921/22 overdate threepence, 1923 half-penny, and 1930 penny. Talk about bling bling!
But alas, all good things must come to an end. From 1969, coin production moved to the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra, and the Melbourne Mint shifted its focus. The building itself became home to the Royal Historical Society of Victoria and the civil marriage registry. Love was certainly in the air with all the weddings happening here!
Fast forward to today, and guess what? The Melbourne Mint, now managed by a self-funded government body, houses the Hellenic Museum. It's a treasure trove of Greek art, history, and culture. So you can surround yourself with the beauty and richness of another ancient civilization. Talk about a cultural journey!
But hey, don't worry, we won't leave you empty-handed. If you're looking to take a piece of history home, you can visit Melbourne Mint Pty Ltd on the ground level. They belong to a group of precious metals companies and have some shiny goodies for you. Just remember, they have no historical relationship to the original Royal Mint. It's like a distant cousin twice removed.
Now, let's continue our adventure through Melbourne and see what other treasures we can uncover! Don't forget to keep your pockets full of laughter and joy. Onward to our next stop!
