World’s First ‘Donation Dollar’ Designed With Colour to Inspire Generosity Throughout Australia

By: Laura Bennett

To coincide with the International Day of Charity on 5 September, The Royal Australian Mint released the world’s first ‘Donation Dollar’ – a $1 coin specifically designed to be donated.

For the first time, colour will be printed onto the dollar coin with a vibrant green ripple design flowing out from the centre, wrapped with the words “give to help others”.

The Royal Australian Mint CEO Ross MacDiarmid said, “The ripple design is all about trying to give a sense of something moving out from the centre into the broader community… That green will be really distinctive, and so when people receive that dollar in their change… and see the strength of those words, they’ll hopefully consider donating it.”

It’s likely most Australians will donate the coin as the Australian Generosity Report reveals almost three-in-five (57%) Australians would be likely to pass it on if they found it in their change.

As our society becomes more cashless, some may keep the coin as a souvenir and instead make a donation online, but either way Mr MacDiarmid says the coin will have served its purpose.

“The intent behind the coin was to stimulate people to think about the idea of donating,” Mr MacDiarmid said.

“And, at a time like we’re in now after fires, floods – we haven’t quite had famines yet – and COVID, we’re certainly in need of helping people where we possibly can.”

Three million Donation Dollars are now in circulation, with approximately four million being rolled out by Christmas time and an eventual 25 million set to be released over the next two to three years.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

About the Author: Laura is a media professional, broadcaster and writer from Sydney, Australia.