Royal Australian Mint marks 45 years with Australian Women’s Weekly

The Royal Australian Mint and The Australian Women’s Weekly, with retail group newsXpress will release a limited-edition coin collection celebrating 45 years of the Children’s Birthday Cake Book, a nostalgic favourite that has become part of Australia’s cultural fabric.

Twelve commemorative coins have been created in tribute to the book’s most iconic designs, including the jelly-filled swimming pool, the rubber ducky, and the famous choo-choo train. The collectible series includes 11 $1 coins and one $2 coloured coin, with a range of formats available from participating newsXpress stores, the Mint’s online shop, and selected distributors.

“The Children’s Birthday Cake Book is part of Australia’s collective memory – it brings people together, sparks joy and celebrates the love and effort that goes into making something special,” said Women’s Weekly editor Sophie Tedmanson.

The coin series is part of a broader campaign running from May to August, which will include a TikTok influencer series featuring household names like Edwina Bartholomew, Jessica Rowe and Julie Goodwin recreating their favourite cakes and sharing personal memories of the book.

Royal Australian Mint Acting CEO Emily Martin said the release was “a tribute that spans generations,” adding: “Whether you’re a child of the 1980s or beyond, or a collector, you’ll really get the sense of fun this coin collection brings to mind.”

Originally published in 1980, the Children’s Birthday Cake Book has been a staple in Australian households for generations, known for its inventive designs and its role in shaping childhood celebrations across the country.

Are Media’s general manager of Lifestyle and Homes, Jocelin Abbey, said the partnership was a demonstration of the brand’s ongoing relevance and cultural impact.

“Few books have such a lasting emotional connection to Australians. This partnership brings to life its legacy in new and creative ways,” Abbey said.

The commemorative coin range includes a 12-coin recipe card set and a special proof coin edition bundled with a hardcover reissue of the book.