Australia has a knack for clever ideas. Now the Royal Australian Mint is putting some of our best on coins.

The 2026 Bright Ideas collection celebrates five famous Aussie inventions. It launches Thursday 8 October, and it's coming to Olivia & Grace on Beaufort Street.

What is the Bright Ideas coin collection?

Bright Ideas is a brand new 2026 release from the Royal Australian Mint, created in partnership with newsXpress. Each design honours an Australian invention that went on to change everyday life, here and around the world.

The Mint is revealing one design a day in the lead up to launch. Here's what's been unveiled so far.

Design 1: The Stump Jump Plough

South Australian Richard Smith patented his "Vixen" plough in 1876. It rode up and over mallee stumps left in the ground, so farmers could clear and plough land far faster. The idea was quickly picked up overseas.

Any WA wheatbelt farmer will tip their hat to that one.

Design 2: The Black Box Flight Recorder

Defence scientist Dr David Warren invented the black box in 1953 while working at the Aeronautical Research Laboratories in Melbourne. It records cockpit voices and flight data, survives a crash, and tells investigators what happened. Every flight you take out of Perth Airport is safer because of it.

Design 3: The Jaffle Maker

A true Aussie kitchen hero. Dr Ernest Smithers invented the original jaffle iron in 1949 for toasting sandwiches over a fire. Breville took it electric in 1974 with the Snack 'n' Sandwich Toaster. Ham, cheese and tomato has never been the same.

Two designs still to come

Designs four and five are still under wraps, with the Mint revealing the last two before launch day.

Check your change for the special $2 coin

Here's the fun part. From 8 October, a special $2 coin showing all five inventions on one coin will turn up in change at participating newsXpress stores. Olivia & Grace is a proud newsXpress member, so check your change next time you grab a gift or a card.

Where to buy Bright Ideas coins in Perth

We're a family-run gift and collectables store in Mount Lawley and an authorised Royal Australian Mint dealer. The Bright Ideas collection will be available in store at 672 Beaufort Street, Mount Lawley, and online at oliviaandgrace.com.au from launch day.

Collector releases like this move fast. If you're after a set for yourself, or a clever Christmas gift for a curious kid, a history buff or a coin collector, come and see us early.

Bright ideas deserve to be celebrated. We can't wait to show you this one.