1988 Australia 4-Coin Gold Nugget Proof Set (Box)

The Australian 1 oz Gold Kangaroo bullion coin was introduced in 1986 by Gold Corp., an entity owned entirely by the Government of Western Australia. Available in sizes ranging from 1/20 oz to 1 kilo, and containing .9999 fine Gold, this bullion coin series is lauded by investors and collectors alike for its purity and beautiful designs.

From 1986 to 1989, the reverse of the coin featured a Gold nugget, but in 1989, the design was changed to a kangaroo to better symbolize Australia. The Australian Gold Kangaroo is one of the few bullion coins in the world that changes its design every year and although the kangaroo remains on the coin each time, the design varies bringing the coin to life.

The Perth Mint was established June 20, 1899, two years before the federation of Australia in 1901. The mint was initially established to refine the large amounts of Gold coming in from deposits in Coolgardie, Kalgoorlie and Murchison areas of Western Australia and to produce Gold sovereigns and half sovereigns to be used throughout Britain. Although Australia became its own nation in 1901, the Perth Mint remained under the jurisdiction of Great Britain 1970. Following a 1987 State Act of Parliament, Gold Corporation, a company wholly 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.