4 days ago
Royal Australian Mint releases coins inspired by Women's Weekly Children's Birthday Cake Book
New coins released by the Royal Australian Mint celebrate an iconic cookbook that made birthdays magical for Aussie kids over multiple generations.
The collectable coins will be showcasing The Australian Women's Weekly Children's Birthday Cake Book, released back in 1980.
Designs featured on the coins include the marshmallow Dolly Varden cake, the yellow-frosted rubber ducky and the swimming pool fit with chocolate finger biscuits and lime jelly.
The 12 coins up for grabs were designed to be a delicious tribute to the quirks of the original cakes — popcorn hairstyles, chocolate finger echidna quills, round biscuit wheels and sprinkles galore.
There are 11 individual $1 coins and a $2 coloured hickory dickory watch coin available in the series.
The premium collection, which includes all 12 coins, starts from $175.
Festive streamers, confetti and a glowing birthday candle also adorn each coin, as well as the image of King Charles III.
Royal Australian Mint's acting chief executive officer Emily Martin said the fun-filled recipe book held a special place in the hearts and minds of many, with hoped the coins would reflect that same level of nostalgia.
"This coin collection doesn't just showcase cakes. It celebrates memories, it celebrates tradition, creativity and family."
Ms Martin said the recipe book was a fixture of her own childhood too.
"I have such fond memories of growing up with this book — my sister and I would choose our birthday cake weeks in advance, and mum would do her best to recreate them."
To avoid any threat of scams, the Mint recommended customers only make purchases through valid channels such as newsXpress online or stores, the Mint Shop or Mint Contact Centre.
One of the book's authors, Pamela Clark, previously told the ABC she believed the success of the recipes came down to the "daginess of the cakes".
"They look rough and ready, they were rough and ready, and they're not scary at all, and I think most people, even if they've never made a cake before, will give those cakes a go," she said.
"Kids don't care about the details of the cake, how messy it might look … They realise that this cake has been made with love for them."
At the launch event for the coins on Thursday, Australian Women's Weekly food director Fran Abdallaoui said a reunion was recently held for the book's original creators.
"To see them back in the test kitchen was so heartwarming," she said.
