Bright Ideas: 5 Brilliant Australian Inventions Celebrated on New Royal Australian Mint Coins
Australia has a proud history of clever inventions, from improving farming and air travel to helping us connect wirelessly.
The Royal Australian Mint’s 2026 Bright Ideas collection, released in partnership with newsXpress, celebrates five iconic Australian inventions. Launching on 8 October 2026, the collection includes five individual $1 coin designs and a special $2 coin featuring all five inventions.
The five inventions behind Bright Ideas
Stump Jump Plough
Patented in South Australia in 1876, the stump jump plough helped farmers work land dotted with mallee stumps. Its clever mechanism allowed the plough to lift or “jump” over obstacles, making ploughing faster and more efficient.
Black Box Flight Recorder
Australian scientist Dr David Warren developed an early concept for recording cockpit conversations and flight information in the 1950s. Flight recorders became essential tools for investigating aircraft incidents and improving aviation safety around the world.
Jaffle Maker
Developed by Dr Ernest Smithers in 1949, the hinged jaffle maker sealed and toasted sandwiches into the familiar pocket-shaped favourite. It became a much-loved part of Australian kitchens and camping trips.
Baby Safety Capsule
Australian innovation helped develop rear-facing infant safety capsules, providing greater protection for newborns and young babies travelling in cars. The design contributed to safer travel for families.
High-Speed Wireless LAN
CSIRO researchers developed important technology behind modern high-speed wireless networking. Their work helped overcome interference from reflected radio signals and contributed to the Wi-Fi connections we use every day.
Get your Bright Ideas collection at Bayswater NewsXpress
From 8 October 2026, visit Bayswater NewsXpress to get your Bright Ideas coin collection and receive the special $2 coin in your change.
The five $1 designs celebrate each invention individually, while the $2 coin brings all five together. It’s a lovely way to start a coin collection, find an Australian gift or celebrate our homegrown ingenuity.