2012 Australian Silver Koala Coins will continue the run of the sought after annual series when released by the Perth Mint of Australia (www.perthmint.com.au) on November 1, 2011.
The bullion coins will be available in four different sizes, including 1 kilo, 10 ounce, 1 ounce and 1/2 ounce. Each is struck from 99.9% pure silver.
The Australian Silver Koala series is unique among the bullion coins of the world due, in part, to their annually changing reverse designs. The tradition dates back to the first silver Koala which was issued by the Perth in 2007.
Designed by Perth Mint artist Aleysha Howarth, the reverse of the 2012 Koala features an image of the iconic marsupial asleep on the branch of a tree. The koala’s forelimbs are depicted draped around the branch with its face and closed eyes easily viewed by the holder of the coin. Included inscriptions are the words "Australian Koala" around the top with "2012," the weight, and "999 Silver" circling the bottom.
Shown on the obverse of the coin is a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II of England. Around the portrait are the inscriptions of "Elizabeth II," "Australia" and the value of the strike.
The bullion coins are struck as legal tender of the country of Australia with face values of AUS $30, $10, $1 and $.50. They are also guaranteed for weight and purity by the government of Australia.
2012 Australian Silver Koala Specifications
| Size | 1 Kilo | 10 oz | 1 oz | 1/2 oz |
| Silver Content (Troy oz) | 32.151 | 10 | 1 | .5 |
| Minimum Gross Weight (g) | 1,001.002 | 311.347 | 31.135 | 15.573 |
| Maximum Diameter (mm) | 100.60 | 75.60 | 40.60 | 36.60 |
| Maximum Thickness (mm) | 14.60 | 8.70 | 4.00 | 2.30 |
The Perth Mint plans to strike the coins to meet demand with no mintage cap in place. A final mintage for the year will be announced after production closes in 2012.
See other Perth Mint coin highlights from this site’s Australian Coin Guide.
About The Perth Mint of Australia
The Perth Mint is wholly-owned by the State Government of Western Australia and is the official issuer of the Australian Federal Government’s Gold and Silver Bullion Coin Program. They are also responsible for striking some of the most unique numismatic coins available in the world.
The Perth was actually opened as a branch of the British Royal Mint in 1899. Its initial purpose was to refine the gold from nearby deposits in order to mint sovereigns for the British colony. Ownership was transferred to the Western Australia state government in 1970.
I am looking for a 2012 silver koala the first 7500 struck graded by the ngc ms 69 or 70. I am looking for two to add to my collection.