Check your wallet: Australian Mint launches $1 coin 'treasure hunt'

A number of new Australian coins have been released with special markings as part of a nationwide treasure hunt.

Dubbed ‘Australia’s Dollar Discovery,’ the Royal Australian Mint launched a program to encourage coin collecting, but collectors can also win a number of prizes.

There are three million $1 coins marked with letters A, U and S.

If you can find all three, you are eligible to win one of eight trips to Canberra including accommodation at Jamala Wildlife Lodge at the National Zoo and Aquarium, along with a one-kilogram silver coin worth $750.

There are three million $1 coins marked with letters A, U and S released by the Royal Australian Mint. Source: Royal Australian Mint
There are three million $1 coins marked with letters A, U and S released by the Royal Australian Mint. Source: Royal Australian Mint

Mint CEO Ross MacDiarmid hopes the program will “encourage a whole new generation of collectors both young and old”.

“The need to collect is as old as humanity and transcends time and culture,” Mr MacDiarmid said in a statement.

“Australia’s Dollar Discovery is a nationwide treasure hunt that we hope encourages Australians of all ages and from every state and territory to check their change for these special coins.”