The Perth Mint was saddened to learn of the passing of master coin designer, Geelong-born Stuart Devlin AO, who died peacefully on Thursday 12 April, aged 86.
Mr Devlin, who designed Australia’s decimal currency, as well as coins for 36 other countries, had a close involvement with The Perth Mint.
He was commissioned to design the original proof issue of the Australian Nugget gold coin series, featuring four of Australia’s most remarkable nugget discoveries, in 1986.
He also designed the now iconic ‘red’ kangaroo, which has appeared on Perth Mint bullion coins since 1990.
Mr Devlin again showcased his extraordinary design skills for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Coin Program.
He designed the eight gold and 17 silver commemorative Sydney 2000 coins, two in collaboration with Australian Olympic hockey gold medallist Nova Peris. Mr Devlin considered the largest of the coins, the Silver Kilo Olympic Masterpiece depicting all 28 sports of the Olympics, to be “the pinnacle” of his coin design achievements.
Describing Mr Devlin as “almost the Leonardo da Vinci of our time,” The Perth Mint’s Chairman, Don Mackay-Coghill, cited the “breadth of Stuart’s designs, through jewellery, coins, silverware, architecture, furniture, even surgical instruments.”
Mr Devlin’s repute was highlighted by his appointment as Goldsmith and Jeweller to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1982.
