Kangaroo Coin Series
The Kangaroo Coin Series, produced by the Perth Mint, is one of Australia's most iconic and popular bullion coin series. Initially introduced as the Australian Gold Nugget in 1986, it was later rebranded in 1989 to feature the kangaroo, one of Australia’s most recognizable animals. The series has since expanded to include silver and platinum versions, making it appealing to a broad range of investors and collectors.
Key Features of the Kangaroo Coin Series:
1. Gold Kangaroo (formerly Gold Nugget)
- Introduced: 1986 as the Gold Nugget, changed to the Kangaroo in 1989.
- Metal: Gold (99.99% pure).
- Design:
- The obverse features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by various artists over the years.
- The reverse features a depiction of a kangaroo, with the design changing annually. Prior to 1989, the reverse featured Australian gold nuggets.
- Sizes Available:
- The series is available in a variety of sizes, including 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, and 1 gram.
- Special Editions: The Perth Mint often issues proof, gilded, and colored versions of the Kangaroo coins, as well as high-relief strikes.
2. Silver Kangaroo
- Introduced: 2016.
- Metal: Silver (99.99% pure).
- Design:
- The obverse features Queen Elizabeth II.
- The reverse features a leaping kangaroo with inscriptions about the coin’s purity and weight.
- Sizes Available: Primarily issued in 1 oz, though larger sizes have occasionally been released.
- Special Features: The Silver Kangaroo includes advanced anti-counterfeiting measures, such as a micro-engraved letter within the coin's design, only visible under magnification.
3. Platinum Kangaroo
- Introduced: 2018.
- Metal: Platinum (99.95% pure).
- Design:
- Similar to the gold and silver versions, the obverse features Queen Elizabeth II, while the reverse showcases a kangaroo.
- Sizes Available: Primarily available in 1 oz.
- Special Features: Like the other versions, the Platinum Kangaroo is well-regarded for its purity and craftsmanship.
Notable Characteristics:
1. Changing Designs (Gold Version):
- One of the defining features of the Gold Kangaroo is its annual design change, which sets it apart from many other bullion coins that maintain the same design year after year. The constantly changing kangaroo depictions add to the coin’s appeal for collectors.
2. High Purity:
- Both the gold and silver versions of the Kangaroo coins are made from 99.99% pure precious metals, making them highly desirable for investors looking for purity and quality.
3. Limited Mintages:
- Some versions of the Kangaroo coins, especially the proof editions and special releases, are produced in limited quantities, which increases their appeal to collectors and can add a premium to their market value.
4. Legal Tender:
- The Kangaroo coins are legal tender in Australia, with face values that vary by size (e.g., 1 oz gold = 100 AUD, 1 oz silver = 1 AUD, 1 oz platinum = 100 AUD), though their actual value is based on their metal content.
Investment and Collectibility:
- Global Recognition: The Kangaroo coins, particularly the Gold Kangaroo, are globally recognized and highly liquid, making them easy to trade or sell internationally.
- For Investors: The high purity and the wide variety of sizes make the Kangaroo coins attractive to both large and small-scale investors.
- For Collectors: The changing designs, special editions, and limited mintage add significant appeal to collectors, making certain years or versions more valuable.
Conclusion:
The Kangaroo Coin Series from the Perth Mint is one of the most prestigious and versatile bullion coin series available. Its high purity, annual design changes, and options in gold, silver, and platinum make it an attractive choice for both investors and collectors alike. The Perth Mint's commitment to quality and craftsmanship ensures that these coins remain popular globally.
The Kangaroo Coin Series from the Perth Mint is available in several precious metals, each with its own unique features and appeal. Here are the metals in which the Kangaroo Coin Series is issued:
1. Gold Kangaroo
- Introduced: 1986 (originally as the Australian Gold Nugget, changed to the Kangaroo in 1989).
- Purity: 99.99% pure gold (24 karat).
- Sizes Available: 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, 1/20 oz, and 1 gram.
- Design: The reverse features an annually changing kangaroo design, while the obverse depicts Queen Elizabeth II.
- Special Editions: Proof and high-relief versions are available for collectors, with some coins featuring gilded or colorized designs.
2. **Silver Kangaroo
- Introduced: 2016.
- Purity: 99.99% pure silver.
- Sizes Available: 1 oz (the most common), with occasional larger sizes such as 1 kg.
- Design: Features a depiction of a leaping kangaroo on the reverse and Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse.
- Security Features: Includes advanced anti-counterfeiting technology, such as micro-engraving visible only under magnification.
3. Platinum Kangaroo
- Introduced: 2018.
- Purity: 99.95% pure platinum.
- Sizes Available: 1 oz (standard).
- Design: Similar to the gold and silver versions, featuring the kangaroo on the reverse and Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse.
- Appeal: Recognized for its high purity and liquidity, the Platinum Kangaroo is popular with both investors and collectors.
Conclusion:
The Kangaroo Coin Series is available in gold, silver, and platinum, making it versatile for investors and collectors alike. Each version is known for its high purity, detailed designs, and global recognition, ensuring its popularity across different markets. The annually changing kangaroo designs in the gold and silver versions also add an extra level of collectibility to the series.
The Kangaroo Coin Series from the Perth Mint has featured different obverse designs throughout its history, most of which depict various portraits of Queen Elizabeth II, as Australia is a member of the Commonwealth. The obverse typically shows the reigning monarch, and updates have occurred as new portraits of the Queen were introduced over the years. Here's a breakdown of the various obverses used in the Kangaroo Coin Series:
1. 1986-1989 (Australian Nugget Series)
- The series was originally launched as the Australian Gold Nugget, and the obverse from 1986 to 1989 featured the Raphael Maklouf portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. This design shows the Queen wearing the George IV State Diadem and is widely recognized as one of the more iconic images of the Queen.
2. 1989-1998 (First Kangaroo Design Years)
- After the change to the Kangaroo design in 1989, the obverse still used the Raphael Maklouf portrait of Queen Elizabeth II until 1998. This portrait is often referred to as the “third portrait” and was used on many Commonwealth coins during this period.
3. 1999-2019 (Ian Rank-Broadley Portrait)
- In 1999, the Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of Queen Elizabeth II replaced the previous version. This design is more modern and shows the Queen in a more mature appearance, without a crown but with the Queen's name and title inscribed. This portrait remained in use on the Kangaroo Coin Series until 2019.
4. 2020-Present (Jody Clark Portrait)
- Beginning in 2020, the Perth Mint introduced the Jody Clark portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the Kangaroo Coin Series. This design is notable for showing the Queen wearing the George IV State Diadem, much like earlier versions, but with a more detailed and refined approach. It also includes an added level of engraving detail, emphasizing the Queen's features.
Summary of Obverses:
- 1986-1989: Raphael Maklouf portrait (Australian Nugget years). - 1989-1998: Raphael Maklouf portrait (Early Kangaroo years). - 1999-2019: Ian Rank-Broadley portrait. - 2020-Present: Jody Clark portrait.
Each of these obverses features Queen Elizabeth II, and the changes reflect her evolving image over time, with adjustments made as official new portraits were introduced in Commonwealth nations.