2013 Koala Kilo and 1 Oz Colored Silver Coins

Two new numismatic koala silver coins are now available from the Perth Mint of Australia, one of which is struck from one kilo of silver with the other featuring a colored reverse design.

Orders are now being accepted by the Perth Mint for the 2013 Australian Koala Kilo Silver Proof Coin and the 2013 Australian Outback Koala 1 Ounce Silver Colored Coin.

The composition of both new releases is 99.9% pure silver. Mintage of the kilo coin is capped at 500 with the colored coin struck to meet demand.

Koala silver coins routinely appear from the Perth Mint with related bullion coins making their first appearance in 2007. Numismatic varieties such as these two new releases have become a popular choice among collectors because of their purity and their annually changing koala designs.

"The koala is a unique Australian marsupial recognized by its bear-like face and thick gray fur," describes the Perth Mint. "This rare creature is found in a range of habitats, from coastal regions to forests and inland eucalypt woodlands. Just like humans, koalas live in societies and will have a home and feeding range within a particular area. They feed on one specific type of eucalypt leaf and are generally nocturnal."

Designs and Specifications of Koala Kilo Silver Coins

Shown on the reverse of the Koala Kilo Silver Proof Coin is a design by Perth Mint artist Tom Vaughan. The design depicts a koala sitting in the branch of a eucalyptus tree surrounded by gum leaves.

Reverse inscriptions include "AUSTRALIAN KOALA" and "2013 1 KILO 999 SILVER." The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark is also located on the reverse.

The obverse contains Ian Rank-Broadley’s effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. Obverse inscriptions surrounding the portrait include "ELIZABETH II," "AUSTRALIA" and "30 DOLLARS."

Specifications of the kilo coin include a gross weight of 1001.00 grams, a diameter of 100.60 mm and a thickness of 14.60 mm. Each silver coin is struck to proof quality and ships in a Perth Mint display case with an illustrated shipper and a numbered certificate of authenticity.

These silver coins are available worldwide directly from the Perth Mint, with the exception of U.S. orders. Those must be placed with one of the Perth Mint’s authorized distributors.

Designs and Specifications of Koala Colored Silver Coins

The same basic obverse and reverse designs are found on the one ounce Koala Silver Colored Coin as the aforementioned kilo coin. However, the reverse of the colored coin features the tree and leaves shaded to their natural browns and greens.

Reverse inscriptions include "AUSTRALIAN KOALA" and "2013 1 oz 999 SILVER." Obverse inscriptions include "ELIZABETH II," "AUSTRALIA" and the legal tender face value of "1 DOLLAR."

Each colored silver coin has a gross weight of 31.135 grams, a diameter of 40.60 mm and a thickness of 4.00 mm. The Perth Mint places these silver coins on an illustrated presentation card which also includes the specifications.

Worldwide orders for the Koala Silver Colored Coin are accepted by the Perth Mint of Australia at www.perthmint.com.au. Current pricing is listed at AUS $71.82 (US $75.07), but may change with market fluctuations. There is no maximum mintage in place on the release.

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