One of Australia’s most hallowed books has been immortalised in metal by a new coin set produced by the Royal Australian Mint.

The Australian Women’s Weekly Children’s Birthday Cake Book turns 45 this year and the mint has partnered with book publisher newsXpress to release a new themed coin series to celebrate the occasion.

You know the one – the book with the Choo-Choo Train cake on the cover and 180 cake recipes inside for a jelly-filled Swimming Pool, lolly-laden Candy Castle and charming Cuddly Koala. Even if it was more fun to browse through than actually make anything from (the author herself has said the pages for the Tip Truck Cake are best glued together so your kids never see it).

First published in 1980, the book has gone on to sell more than half a million copies – more than enough to qualify as an important piece of Aussie nostalgia, according to the mint.

“I have such fond memories of growing up with this book,” Royal Australian Mint acting CEO Emily Martin said (her favourite was the Dolly Varden).

“My sister and I would choose our birthday cake weeks in advance and Mum would do her best to recreate them.

“This coin collection is a tribute that spans generations. Whether you’re a child of the 80s or beyond, or a collector, you’ll really get the sense of fun this coin collection brings to mind.”

The Choo Choo Train Cake, looking better than probably ever before. Photo: Royal Australian Mint.

The new coin series features 11 $1 coins and one $2 coloured coin, available in four different packaged formats. There’s the $15 individual coin-in-card, $39 10-coin tube and folder, $85 proof coin in cake book, and the full $175 12-coin recipe card collection (the tube and folder option includes a one-in-10 chance of finding a special Choo-Choo Train coin instead of the Racing Track coin).

The mint says they’re “perfect for gifting, collecting, or proudly displaying next to your worn and batter-stained copy of the original book”.

“Designed by the mint’s Lydia Ashe, each coin captures the quirkiness of its original cake: popcorn hairstyles, chocolate-finger echidna quills, potato-chip beaks, and sprinkles galore.

“You’ll spot beloved classics like Rubber Ducky, Dolly Varden and Robert Robot, alongside the infamously ambitious Tip Truck and the wonderfully detailed Humpty Dumpty.”

The birthday cake book coin series series is available as individual cards, or in full sets. Photo: Royal Australian Mint.

The mint and newsXpress have also released a special limited-edition hardcover version of the book which includes a proof $1 Choo-Choo Train coin.

A mint spokesperson told Region it typically took about two years for commemorative circulating coins such as these to go from concept to release.

“In general, to be considered for a commemorative circulating coin, the theme must relate to an event, commemoration or anniversary of national significance and broad interest to the Australian community,” the spokesperson said.

“The mint welcomes suggestions from the public. To submit a proposed coin design, check the coin theme policies on our website. If you think it meets the policies, simply write a letter or send an email to the mint and it will be considered through the standard approvals process.”

The Australian Women’s Weekly said it was “honoured” to collaborate with the Royal Australian Mint for the book’s 45th anniversary.

“It’s a beautiful reminder of our legacy and the role we continue to play in the lives of Australian families,” editor Sophie Tedmanson said.

“Like many, I too have fond childhood memories of my family baking these iconic cakes and we are thrilled to continue to offer our community a unique opportunity to reflect and reminisce on their own nostalgic moments that we know the book played a special part in creating.”

The full coin collection. Photo: Royal Australian Mint.

The coins are available to buy online from newsXpress and participating newsXpress stores, the Mint Shop in Deakin, and the Mint Contact Centre (1300 652 020).

Customers of selected newXpress stores are also encouraged to check their change after any cash purchase for the special $2 Hickory Dickory Watch Clock coin.

Visit the Royal Australian Mint for more information.