2009 Australian Koala and Kookaburra Silver Coins Revealed

The Perth Mint revealed their stunning and newly designed 2009 silver bullion coins this week that include the series of Australian Koala Silver Coins and Australian Kookaburra Silver Coins. Both coin series are legal tender, struck in 99.9% pure silver, include guarantees in weight and purity, and offer intriguing designs with differing sizes.

Other common elements include the obverse or heads side design depicting Ian Rank-Broadley’s effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. In addition, both series have The Perth Mint’s traditional “P” mint mark, a 109 year-old symbol “embodying its commitment to minting excellence.”

Collectors will not have to wait until 2009 to purchase these investor and collector bullion coins. October 1, 2008 is the worldwide release date.

Australian Koala Silver Coins

The 2009 Koala silver coins include the fractional 10oz, 1oz, and 1/2oz sizes. The reverse or tails side of the coin depicts a young koala — one of Australia’s most endearing animals, clutching a branch and surrounded by a contrasting, multifaceted background.

There are no limits set for the 12 months the coins are minted.

Australian Kookaburra Silver Coins

The 2009 Kookaburra silver coins include the fractional 1 kilo, 10oz, 2oz, and 1oz sizes. The reverse or tails side of the coin has an inner ring that portrays the laughing kookaburra — a native bird synonymous with the Australian bush, clutching a tree branch.

"THE AUSTRALIAN KOOKABURRA" inscription encircles the coin’s outer ring. An augmented ‘P20’ mint mark is etched on the reverse as well to signify the coin is part of the 20th annual issue.

There is a limit of 300,000 coins for the 1oz size. No mintage limits are in place for the 1 kilo, 10oz, and 2oz sizes.

Coin specifications

The silver coin series specifications by size are:

Order information

The silver coins may be purchased through The Perth Mint distributers. The 2009 Koala 1 oz silver coin is found directly on the Mint page:

2009 Australian Koala 1oz Silver Coin

About the Perth Mint

The Perth Mint, wholly-owned by the State Government of Western Australia, is the official issuer of the Australian Federal Government’s Gold and Silver Bullion Coin Program. The Mint opened in 1899 in response to the discovery of rich gold deposits in Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie.  It was Australia’s third branch of Britain’s Royal Mint – the others being the Sydney Mint and the Melbourne Mint (both closed).

The Perth Mint remained under Britain’s jurisdiction until 1 July 1970, when ownership transferred to the State Government of Western Australia. 

In 2003, The Perth Mint officially opened an 8,400 square metre state-of-the-art manufacturing facility next door to its original limestone building.  Dominating the Mint’s heritage precinct, these two important buildings are powerful symbols of more than 100 years of minting excellence in Western Australia.