Mint

The Mint was constructed between 1811 and 1816 as the southern wing of the Sydney Hospital. In 1854 a branch of the Royal Mint was established on the site as a result of the discovery of gold in New South Wales. The former hospital wing was converted to offices for Mint staff and as a residence for the Deputy Mint Master. The Mint operated until 1926 when the new Commonwealth Mint was established in Canberra. The buildings then accommodated numerous government departments and various law courts. The Mint was transferred to the Historic Houses Trust in 1998 and the Macquarie Street building is open to the public containing a small display on the history of the site, a cafe and meeting rooms. Please note The Mint is NOT a coin museum.