Previously offered in silver and then gold, the Perth Mint now adds platinum to the Discover Australia series line-up with the release of one-tenth ounce 2012 Discover Australia Platinum Proof Coins.
Included as part of this newest release are five 99.95% pure platinum coins that feature unique reverse designs showcasing exotic Australian wildlife.
"Our Discover Australia series continues to reflect the country’s beautiful wildlife and stunning scenery," said Ron Currie, Perth Mint Sales and Marketing Director.
"Furthermore, recent demand for platinum coins has been quite strong, so with no more than 1,000 of each design being released, we anticipate that the coins will generate great interest among collectors."
These five platinum proof coins depict a green and gold bell frog, a red kangaroo, a kookaburra, a goanna and a whale shark.
The new 1/10 ounce strikes are available individually for AUS $304.00 or as part of a complete five-coin set for AUS $1,568.00 — prices can fluctuate daily depending on the direction of the precious metals market. Maximum mintage for each individual coin has been established by the Perth at just 1,000.
The success of the Discover Australia brand spans six years, since the late ‘Crocodile Hunter’ Steve Irwin launched the program in 2006. As mentioned, this year introduced another Discover Australia series with five one ounce silver proof coins released in February, then one-half, one-tenth and one-twenty fifth ounce gold proofs coins in March, and now the one-tenth ounce platinum proof coins in June. The silver, gold and platinum releases each depict differing designs of the same five Australian creatures.
Discover Australia Platinum Proof Coin Designs
Each reverse design of the five individual coins includes an inscription of the member of Australian fauna is being shown — "Green and Gold Bell Frog," "Red Kangaroo," "Kookaburra," "Goanna" or "Whale Shark." Those inscriptions are joined by "Discover Australia," "2012" and "1/10 oz 9995 Platinum."
The Green and Gold Bell Frog Platinum Proof Coin depicts one of the amphibians resting on green reeds. While the background habitat is in color, the frog is depicted in the silver hue of the platinum coin itself.
A hopping kangaroo is shown on the reverse of the Red Kangaroo Platinum Proof Coin. Behind the kangaroo, a colored depiction of the Australian outback can be seen.
The Kookaburra Platinum Proof Coin depicts the bird perched on a branch of a gum tree. Behind the kookaburra, the leaves of the tree can be seen in their typical green shade.
Yellow desert sand is shown as the background of the Goanna Platinum Proof Coin. The lizard itself is shown in the foreground with its tail trailing off the edge of the design.
The only underwater scene of the series is found on the Whale Shark Platinum Proof Coin. It depicts the whale shark swimming in the blue ocean waters.
Struck as legal tender of Australia, the obverse of each coin contains the same Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. Obverse inscriptions include "Elizabeth II," "Australia" and "15 Dollars."
2012 Discover Australia Platinum Proof Coin Specifications
| Platinum Content (Troy oz) | 0.10 |
| Face Value (AUS) | $15 |
| Fineness (% purity) | 99.95 |
| Minimum Gross Weight (g) | 3.112 |
| Maximum Diameter (mm) | 16.60 |
| Maximum Thickness (mm) | 1.32 |
The Perth Mint places each individual coin in an individual display case. The five coin set has a special presentation case with a timber lid. Both ship with numbered certificates of authenticity and an illustrated shipper.
Orders for the one-tenth ounce 2012 Discover Australia Platinum Proof Coins or the five-coin set may be placed directly through the Perth Mint website.
See other Perth Mint coin highlights from this site’s Australian Coin Guide.
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About the Perth Mint
The Perth Mint (www.perthmint.com.au) is the official issuer of the Australian Federal Government’s Gold and Silver Bullion Coin Program. It was Australia’s third branch of Britain’s Royal Mint when it opened in 1899 (the others being the Sydney Mint and the Melbourne Mint, which are both now closed).
Ownership of the Perth Mint was transferred to the State Government of Western Australia in 1970 who still operates the facility today.
