1913-2013 Stamp-Shaped Silver Coin Depicts Kangaroo and Map

Celebrating the centennial of the first stamp release of the country, the Perth Mint of Australia introduced its Kangaroo and Map: 1913-2013 Stamp and Coin Set.

The set includes an official $10 stamp along with a stamp-shaped silver coin. Each coin is struck from 1/2 ounce of .999 fine silver to proof quality. Maximum mintage of the release is 4,000 units.

Following the creation of the Commonwealth of Australia over a decade earlier, a uniform series of stamps was needed for the new states. As such, the first issue appeared on January 2, 1913 with the release of the Kangaroo and Map Red 1d (one penny) Stamp.

The design for the stamp was adopted from an entry in a design competition. It featured the likeness of a kangaroo inside a map shape of the Australian continent. It also marked the first stamp to solely identify the commonwealth of "Australia." It is this stamp that is honored by the 1913-2013 Kangaroo and Map Stamp and Coin Set.

Stamp-Shaped Silver Coin – Designs and Specifications

Shown on the reverse of the stamp-shaped silver coin is a colored depiction of the original design found on the 1913 stamp. Hued in red, the reverse design shows a kangaroo placed inside a map-shaped outline of the Australian continent. Inscriptions on the reverse include "AUSTRALIA," "1913-2013," "1d" and "ONE PENNY."

These silver coins are each struck as legal tender of Australia under the Australian Currency Act of 1965. As such, a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II is found on the obverse. The portrait was designed by Ian Rank-Broadley and is surrounded by the inscriptions of "ELIZABETH II," "AUSTRALIA," "2013," the composition of "1/2 oz 999 SILVER" and the legal tender face value of "50 CENTS."

Specifications of the stamp-shaped silver coin include a width of 22.70 mm with a length of 30.50 mm. Maximum thickness is 3.50 mm with a minimum gross weight of 15.573 grams.

Along with the silver coin, an included official $10 stamp commemorates the centenary of the country’s first philatelic release. Both come housed in a wooden display case along with an illustrated shipper and a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Pricing for the Kangaroo and Map: 1913-2013 Stamp and Coin Set is AUS $81.77. Orders for the set and other Perth Mint silver coins can be made at www.perthmint.com.au. An affiliate link to it follows:

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