Australia 1 oz Silver Kangaroo (Random, Abrasions)

This first Silver kangaroo bullion coin ever produced by the Perth Mint contains .9999 fine Silver. The design of the Silver Perth Kangaroo is similar to that of its Gold counterpart. The obverse features the profile of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II designed by Ian Rank-Broadley. The reverse boasts a red kangaroo mid-bound in front a stylized star burst, designed by Dr. Stuart Devlin, and contains a first for the Perth Mint: an authentication feature. A small micro-engraved letter “A” within the first A of “Australian” is only visible under magnification, serving to ensure the coin’s value, purity and authenticity.

The Perth Mint was established June 20, 1899, two years before Australia became an independent nation in 1901. The initial purpose of the Perth Mint was to refine the large amounts of Gold that were being unearthed, thanks to a Gold rush throughout various parts of Western Australia, and manufacture Gold coins for use throughout Britain. The mint remained under the control of the British Government until 1970, when it became a constitutional authority of the Government of Western Australia. Following a 1987 State Act of Parliament, Gold Corporation, a company owned entirely 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.