ANBG Theatrette,
Clunies Ross Street Acton ACT 2601
Canberra, 2601 Australia
Canberra, 2601 Australia
Abstract
The free exhibition ‘Floral Impressions: Coins in Bloom’ is open daily at the Royal Australian Mint, running until March 2027. It explores the rich symbolism of flowers on coins. Struck into metal, these distinctive graphical floral symbols carry a diverse range of historical and cultural information about their place of origin.
The exhibition curator Meredith Trinko shares her favourite pieces and discusses how she identified three distinct ways coin designers over the centuries have used flowers and plants – as emblems, to symbolise national identity and cultural heritage; as Commemorative symbolism celebrating significant events; and as decorative embellishments.
Floral coins convey symbolic messages to those to hold them, becoming a constant reminder of the common denominators which bind us together. While continuing to mint coins featuring floral motifs, the Royal Australian Mint upholds the tradition of using floral iconography as a visual historic record for future generations.
Bio
Meredith Trinko has a BA and MA in Art History and Curatorship from Australian National University, and has worked for Royal Australian Mint since 2022. She loves spending time in the National Coin Collection that the Royal Australian Mint is steward of on behalf of the nation.
Booking Link – https://www.trybooking.com/DNXGR
One-hour talks are held at 12.30 pm every Thursday from February to November. We welcome donations by gold coins, notes, or electronically. The Friends use donations to support Gardens’ programs and development and thank all those who have donated.
Please note: unless otherwise indicated, talks are in the ANBG Theatrette.
It is a good idea to reserve a seat at the talks that you wish to attend; several talks are booked out very quickly. Bookings can be made about 30 days in advance until Wednesday night before the talk.
The Friends of the ANBG thank the speakers who volunteer their time and talents to further the knowledge of all attending events in the Gardens. Some summaries or PowerPoint presentations of Thursday talks are available to Friends at the ANBG Library. Please direct queries about the talks to the Thursday Talks Team: email talks@friendsanbg.org.au