The Royal Australian Mint has revealed the secret message on its 50 cent coin commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and has announced the winner of its ‘Coincryption’ competition.
With the competition now closed, the Mint revealed the encrypted message on the ASIO coin read: “there is no greater honour than the trust of the Australian people or weightier burden than protecting the security of Australia and its people”.
Chief Executive of the Mint, Ross MacDiarmid said he was thrilled to share yet another unique coin release and competition that resonated with the Australian public.
Mr McDiarmid said the exercise engaged further interest in the age-old hobby of coin collecting while commemorating seven decades of ASIO.
He said the encryption competition was won by Andrew Olsson of Queensland who had now received the only proof coin in existence featuring the 70 th Anniversary ASIO coin design.
Mr MacDiarmid said Mr Olsson deciphered the secret message encrypted on the coin using a One-Time Pad – a key similar to that used by operatives during the Cold War.
Mr Olsson’s entry was drawn from all correct entries received by the Mint.
Director-General of Security, ASIO, Mike Burgess congratulated Mr Olsson on the win.
“Well done!” Mr Burgess said.
“It’s exciting to see so much interest in ASIO, our 70th anniversary, and the commemorative coin,” he said.
