Tuesday, 15 August 2017: Woolworths is releasing Royal Australian Mint limited edition $2 coins into their tills from today leading up to Children’s Book Council of Australia Children’s Book Week, featuring designs from the iconic Australian children’s book Possum Magic.
Commencing their journey in Woolworths cash registers across the country, the three $2 coin designs have been struck by the Royal Australian Mint with illustrations of the main character, Hush, from the beloved story. The designs stay true to the original illustrations, which also feature colourful “magic dust” rings.
The Royal Australian Mint is also releasing a limited edition Possum Magic Coin Collection that will be available exclusively at Woolworths and the Mint while stocks last. The album features all three $2 coin designs, four different $1 coin designs and a unique 1 cent coin, specially designed by Possum Magic illustrator, Julie Vivas, just for this Collection.
Royal Australian Mint CEO Mr Ross MacDiarmid said; “For 34 years, Australians have read this wonderful story of Hush and Grandma Poss and their whimsical adventures around the country. We are thrilled to be able to immortalise the story for generations to come through this collector coin series.
Possum Magic author Mem Fox said; “No one can imagine the level of my excitement at the real magic that’s happened, thanks to the Royal Australian Mint and Woolworths. Nothing could be more magical than turning Possum Magic from a book into a collection of coins. I’m dizzy with amazement, and honestly, overcome with gratitude that my beloved story is being immortalised in this way.”
Woolworths Program Manager Sarah De La Mare said; “The multi-generational appeal of this number one best-selling children’s book, along with the story’s inclusion of truly Australian food, connects with families in a unique way. We hope the release of the coin collection provides more opportunities for grandparents, parents and children alike to engage with this iconic story and perhaps even try recreating the famous dishes contained in the book.”
Year: 2017
Mintage: 2.0 Million
Production Mint: RAM