2010 Australian Gilded Koala Silver Coin

For the third year in a row, the Perth Mint of Australia is offering a twist on its highly sought after koala silver coins. This one is in the form of its newly released 2010 Australian Gilded Koala Silver 1 oz. Coin.

To create this unique coin, the Mint takes the same design as seen on the silver bullion koala series and gilds the marsupial with 24-karat gold, giving an impression of fur on the animal.

The state of the art process leaves several design elements untouched, increasing the eye appeal of the highly detailed koala.

Along with the bullion versions, these designs change annually. When first introduced in 2008, the gilded koala was seen with a joey (its young) hanging carefully from its back while the adult sat calmly on a tree branch. 2009 found a solitary young koala, also sitting, but this time holding onto an upper limb with its front paws.

The 2010 design once again showcases a single young koala, but this time the furry creature is satisfying one of its most basic needs. It is eating its favorite meal, fresh eucalyptus leaves. Shown underneath the koala are inscriptions indicating the contents of the coin, 1 oz 999 Silver.

As required of legal tender of Australia, the coin has a face value of AUS $1 and contains an image of Queen Elizabeth II on its obverse. Ian Rank-Broadley designed Her Majesty’s effigy.

The gilded coins have an extremely limited mintage of only 10,000. Each includes certificate of authenticity, and ships in an illustrated shipper protected in a decorative black display case with a blue lid.

Collectors interested in purchasing these silver coins may do so from around the world, and directly from The Perth Mint. They are priced at AUS $72.73, plus shipping and handling.

Click here for The Perth Mint Information Page

 

About the Perth Mint

The Perth Mint (http://www.perthmint.com.au/) wholly-owned by the State Government of Western Australia, is the official issuer of the Australian Federal Government’s Gold and Silver Bullion Coin Program. The Mint opened in 1899 in response to the discovery of rich gold deposits in Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie. It was Australia’s third branch of Britain’s Royal Mint – the others being the Sydney Mint and the Melbourne Mint (both closed).

The Perth Mint remained under Britain’s jurisdiction until 1 July 1970, when ownership transferred to the State Government of Western Australia.

In 2003, The Perth Mint officially opened an 8,400 square metre state-of-the-art manufacturing facility next door to its original limestone building. Dominating the Mint’s heritage precinct, these two important buildings are powerful symbols of more than 100 years of minting excellence in Western Australia.