The Perth Mint of Australia (www.perthmint.com.au) released the 2012 Australian Platypus Platinum Bullion Coin on Tuesday, December 5, 2011.
Unlike the multiple series of the gold and silver bullion coins issued by the Perth Mint, there is only one platinum bullion coin, and that features the platypus. The Mint has offered other numismatic or collector platinum coins.
The coin "presents an outstanding opportunity for collectors and investors to add this precious metal to their portfolios. Following in the footsteps of the Australian Kangaroo, Australian Koala and Australian Kookaburra, the Platinum Platypus has become a star in the bullion coin program," stated Matthew Holmes, a spokesman at the Perth Mint.
The 2011 Australian Platypus Platinum Bullion Coin was the inaugural issue in the new series. It sold out with a mintage of 30,000. The 2012 edition has been limited to 30,000 coins as well.
Bullion Coin Design
The 2012 Australian Platypus Platinum Bullion Coin is struck from 1 ounce of 99.95% pure platinum and minted to bullion quality. Its reverse design features a diving platypus. Surrounding the scene are the inscriptions AUSTRALIAN PLATYPUS, 2012 1oz 9995 PLATINUM.
Platypuses are small semi-aquatic mammals that are unique to Australia. They have a bill and webbed feet like aducks and a tail like beavers, while their body shape and fur are like otters. Platypuses live beside freshwater rivers and lakes, where they create burrows for shelter and protection. They like to swim and dive and can remain underwater for one or two minutes. They are one of just a few mammals that lay eggs.
The obverse features Ian Rank-Broadley’s effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. She is surrounded by the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II, AUSTRALIA and 100 DOLLARS.
Coin specifications include a gross weight of 31.12 grams, a diameter of 32.60 mm and a thickness of 2.70 mm.
As mentioned, this is not the first time platypuses have been found on coins. They are an iconic symbol of Australia and have been depicted on the reverse of the circulating Australian 20 cent piece since 1966. From the Perth Mint, the platypus was also featured recently in proof quality in the Discover Australia 2010 Dreaming coin series in multiple sizes, shapes, and precious metals.
The 2012 Australian Platypus Platinum Bullion Coin is available directly from The Perth Mint by telephone only. Buyers are asked to call the Bullion Desk during trading hours at the following number:
- 1300 201 112 Australia Only (local call cost)
- +61 8 9421 7218 International Callers
Perth Mint bullion coin distributors will also offer the bullion coin.
To see numismatic coin highlights from the Perth Mint, also visit the CoinNews.net Australian Coin Guide.
About the Perth Mint
The Perth Mint (www.perthmint.com.au), 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.
I have heard of Australian Koala Platinum Bullion Coins. Now Perth Mint has issued Platypus Platinum Bullion Coins. So I would like them both Koala and Platypus Platinum Coins as geat investment coins as well as Gold Kangaroo and Silver Kookaburra Coins.