2013 Bush Baby Platypus Silver Coin Available

The fourth release of the Australian Bush Babies II series from the Perth Mint is now available with the debut of the 2013 Bush Baby Platypus Silver Coin.

Like the other releases in the series, each Platypus Silver Coin is struck from 1/2 ounce of 99.9% pure silver. Maximum mintage of the release is limited to 10,000.

"The platypus is unique to Australia and lives beside freshwater rivers and lakes, where it creates burrows for shelter and protection," offers the Perth Mint as a description for the platypus. "It has webbed feet for swimming, which it does with its eyes closed and returns regularly to the water’s surface for oxygen. The platypus is one of the few mammals who possess an electroception sense, being the ability to detect biological electric fields."

The Bush Babies II series was introduced with the Kookaburra Silver Coin in July of 2012. It was followed in October of that same year with the Possum Silver Coin and then with the Echidna Silver Coin in January of 2013. The last of the five silver coins debuts later this year and will feature a baby wombat.

Bush Baby Platypus Silver Coin Designs and Specifications

As indicated by the name of the strike, a baby platypus is featured on the reverse of the new silver coin. The uniqueness of the platypus is made evident with the design that showcases the creature in true-life color. Also in color, Australian bush flowers add to the image. Finally, a "friendly" Australian insect lends one last level of detail to along with the inscription of "AUSTRLIAN PLATYPUS." The entire scene is the work of Perth Mint artist Elise Martinson.

The obverse offers the Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Her likeness is surrounded by the inscriptions of "ELIZABETH II," "AUSTRALIA," "2013," "1/2 oz 999 SILVER" and the legal tender face value of "50 CENTS."

The one half ounce silver coin features a weight of 15.591 grams, a diameter of 36.60 mm and a thickness of 2.30 mm.

Each is accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity, a Perth Mint display case and an illustrated shipper.

Pricing for the Platypus Silver Coin is AUS $56.36, or US $57.75. Pricing can change based on silver market conditions. Orders for the Platypus Coin and other Perth Mint silver coins can be made at www.perthmint.com.au. An affiliate link to it follows:

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