Gudanji goanna coin turns up in Post Office change

Reece Harley Published November 4, 2026 at 7.20am (AWST)

design

Image supplied. Australia Post.

Shoppers paying cash at participating Post Offices can now get a coloured $2 goanna coin back in their change. The coin carries the animal's Gudanji name, Jurrgubadi.

Key Points

The $2 coin you can only find in your change
How a Gulf Country language made it onto Australian currency
One in 10 tubes hides a coloured saltwater crocodile

The new coin belongs to 'Our Animals, Our Country', a collection released today by Australia Post, the Royal Australian Mint and the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF). It celebrates the Gudanji language of the Gulf Country and Barkly Tablelands in the Northern Territory.

Gudanji/Wakaja and Kalkadoon artist Ryhia Dank designed the collection. She is also an ILF Ambassador and works under the name nardurna. Her artwork shows six native animals, each named in Gudanji:

Marraji (Red Kangaroo)
Jagurrugurru (Emu)
Mardumbarrayi (Saltwater Crocodile)
Darrmanji (Brolga)
Gulamandarrina (Long-necked Turtle)
Jurrgubadi (Goanna)

The kangaroo, emu, crocodile, brolga and turtle appear on five collectable $1 coins. The goanna appears on the circulating $2 coin.

ILF chief executive Ben Bowen said the collection connected language directly to identity.

"Language is a powerful connection to culture, Country and Community," Mr Bowen said.

"Through this partnership with Australia Post and the Royal Australian Mint, we're proud to help share Gudanji stories and support the preservation and celebration of First Nations languages for generations to come."

*Indigenous Literacy Foundation chief executive officer Ben Bowen. Image: National Library of Australia.*

The release of the goanna coin into general circulation puts the Gudanji name in Australians' wallets as well as in collectors' cabinets.

Royal Australian Mint chief executive Emily Martin said the partnership gave the Mint a new way to release a coloured coin into circulation.

"Finding a coloured coin in your change is a little unexpected surprise that can brighten your day," Ms Martin said.

"I hope customers have fun looking out for the colourful goanna coin when they shop at Australia Post."

Australia Post General Manager, Retail Product and Supply Chain, Kayla Le Cornu said the artwork carried knowledge across generations.

"Our Animals, Our Country showcases the richness of First Nations languages and storytelling through beautifully designed collectables that can be shared and enjoyed across generations," Ms Le Cornu said.

"Through our partnerships with the Royal Australian Mint and the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, we're proud to help share the stories, knowledge and connections to Country reflected in Ryhia's artwork with communities across Australia."

Australia Post has worked with the ILF since 2020 to deliver culturally relevant books and literacy resources to remote First Nations communities.

Collectors can buy the coins from today at participating Post Offices and online. Individual $1 coins with a special privy mark cost $15 each. A five-coin tube and folder set costs $34, and one in every 10 tubes includes a coloured $1 Mardumbarrayi (Saltwater Crocodile) coin. A stamp pack with three mounted stamps and a large-format minisheet costs $11.55.

For anyone without a tube, the goanna is still out there, waiting in the till.