2013 Discover Australia Silver Proof Coins Debut

The Perth Mint of Australia continues an annual program with the release of five new 2013 Discover Australia Silver Proof Coins.

These five silver coins each depict a different Australian creature along with a colored image of its natural habitat. They are struck from one ounce of 99.9% pure silver to proof quality.

Maximum mintage for the releases is limited to 3,500 individual coins and 1,500 issued as part a five-coin set.

This series can be traced back to 2006 when the late Steve Irwin, aka the Crocodile Hunter, introduced the Discover Australia Coin Program to the public. It has since undergone several program changes with the most recent series debuting last year. Those 2012 Discover Australia Silver Proof Coins showcased the Green and Gold Bell Frog, the Red Kangaroo, the Kookaburra, the Goanna and the Whale Shark.

Featured this year in the program are silver proof coins depicting Kangaroo, Koala, Emu, Kookaburra and Platypus images.

Discover Australia Silver Proof Coin Designs

The five creatures included in the 2013 Discover Australia Silver Proof Coins are all shown in a colored representation of their natural habitat on the reverse of the strikes. Inscriptions on the reverse include DISCOVER AUSTRALIA, 1 OZ 999 SILVER, 2013, the Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mint mark and the name of the featured creature — KANGAROO, KOALA, EMU, KOOKABURRA or PLATYPUS.

Shown on obverses is Ian Rank-Broadley’s effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. Inscriptions read ELIZABETH II, AUSTRALIA and 1 DOLLAR.

The Kangaroo Silver Proof Coin shows the marsupial in a traditional outback scene. The kangaroo is surrounded by wild spring grasses and Australian boab trees.

On the reverse of the Koala Silver Proof Coin, the koala is shown on a eucalyptus tree stump. Behind it, a colorful forest scene is offered along with a picturesque sunset.

Shown on the reverse of the Emu Silver Proof Coin is a single emu with a desert background. Native wild flowers and grasses are included in the design.

The Kookaburra Silver Proof Coin shows the bird with its outstretched wings against a river scene. A reflection of a native tree can be seen in the water’s surface.

A tropical rainforest background is featured on the reverse of the Platypus Silver Proof Coin. In front, a single platypus is shown.

2013 Discover Australia Silver Coin Specifications

Individual 2013 Discover Australia Silver Proof Coins are presented in a square Perth Mint display case. Those opting for the five-coin set will find all five silver coins placed in a rectangular display case. Both ship in illustrated shippers along with a numbered certificate of authenticity.

Specifications of the individual silver coins include a diameter of 40.60 mm and a minimum gross weight of 31.135 grams.

Pricing of the strikes is listed as AUS $90.00 for each coin and $450.00 for the five-coin set. Those prices are subject to change, however, based on market conditions. They may be purchased directly from the Perth Mint at www.perthmint.com/au.

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