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2012 Australian Map Shaped Emu Silver Coin Available
August 6, 2012 by Darrin Lee Unser · Leave a Comment
Appearing as the second release from one of the Perth Mint’s most unique coin series is the 2012 Australian Map Shaped Emu Silver Coin. As indicated by the name, each is actually struck in the shape of the Australian continent.
Perth Mint image of the 2012 Australian Map Shaped Emu Silver Coin
The Perth Mint launched the series in June with the now sold out Map Shaped Kookaburra Coin. Subsequent issues within the Australian Map Shapes Coin Series will continue to feature the unique design as well as other native Australian animals showcased on the reverse of the strikes.
Each Emu Silver Coin is struck from one ounce of 99.9% pure silver. Like the previous Kookaburra coin, the maximum mintage for this issue is limited to 6,000.
Emu Silver Coin Design, Specifications and Order Details
Australian Map Shaped Emu Silver Coin in Shipper
While many may not recognize an emu by site, they should nonetheless appreciate the bird for its size or associate it with its ratite relative, the ostrich. Like the ostrich, the emu is flightless but far from sedentary. The bird can trot for great distances and can sprint at speeds up to 30 miles per hour.
The emu is featured on the reverse of the coin with a design by Ing Ing Jong. The reverse shows the bird placed amidst a colored background of the Australian bush including three grass trees.
Reverse inscriptions on the silver coin include "EMU," "2012" and "1 OZ 999 SILVER." In addition, the Perth Mint’s historic ‘P’ mintmark is located on the reverse of the coin to the bottom left of the emu.
Shown on the obverse is the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Obverse inscriptions surrounding the portrait of the Queen include "ELIZABETH II," "AUSTRALIA," "2012" and "1 DOLLAR."
The coins are struck as legal tender of Australia under the Australian Currency Act of 1965. Each has a face value of AUS $1.
2012 Australian Map Shaped Emu Coin Specifications
| Silver Content (Troy oz) | 1 |
| Face Value (AUS) | $1 |
| Fineness (% purity) | 99.9 |
| Minimum Gross Weight (g) | 31.135 |
| Maximum Diameter (mm) | 40.60 |
| Maximum Thickness (mm) | 4.52 |
The Perth Mint places each coin in a black display case. Together, along with a numbered certificate of authenticity, they are shipped inside an illustrated shipper which contains an image of the coin as well as of the bird it depicts.
Collectors can purchase the 2012 Australian Map Shaped Emu Silver Coin directly from the Perth Mint for AUS $102.27. (Prices can change based on the market value of silver).
Ad Banner to Perth Mint Website for New Coin Releases
About the Perth Mint
The Royal Mint of England established the Perth Mint (www.perthmint.com.au) as a branch facility in 1899 to refine and strike gold recovered from nearby deposits. Ownership was transferred to the State Government of Western Australia in 1970. Today the Perth is responsible for the Australian Federal Government’s Gold and Silver Bullion Coin Program in addition to striking some of the most unique numismatic coins in the world.
