2012 Australia 1/2 oz Silver Koala BU

The Australian Silver Koala was first introduced by the Perth Mint in 2007. Although the Silver Koala is one of the mint’s newer bullion coins, the design of Australia’s adorable marsupial and the Precious Metal content have made this coin very popular among investors and collectors alike. Made of .999 fine Silver and available in sizes of 1/10 oz, 1/2 oz, 1 oz, 5 oz, 10 oz and 1 kilo, this Silver bullion coin is sure to enhance any portfolio.

The Australian Silver Koala is among the few bullion coins to change its design annually. The reverse of the coin always features at least one adult koala but eucalyptus leaves and the Outback are often incorporated into the design as well. The obverse depicts the current profile of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the time of minting.

Established in 1899, the Perth Mint predates the federation of Australia by two years. The mint was initially established for two reasons: to refine the vast amounts of Gold flooding in from various areas of Western Australia and to produce Gold sovereigns and half sovereigns to be used throughout Great Britain. Although Australia became an independent nation in 1901, the Perth Mint remained under the authority of the British crown until 1970. Following a 1987 State Act of Parliament, Gold Corporation, a company entirely owned by the Government of Western Australia, was established and mandated to operate the Perth Mint to market their Gold, Silver and Platinum Australian coins overseas.

The Perth Mint is also known for its outstanding quality and industry-leading creations. In 1957, the mint produced a 13 oz proof “plate” of .999999 fine Gold, the highest purity ever achieved. In 2011, they created the world’s largest, heaviest and most valuable Gold coin, containing .9999 fine Gold and weighing 2,231 pounds, that was worth $53.5 million (AUD) at the time of minting.