2012 Australian Koala Silver Proof Coin in High Relief

The Perth Mint of Australia treads into new territory with the debut of the one ounce, 99.9% fine 2012 Australian Koala High Relief Silver Proof Coin.

Released for sale to start September, the strike marks the first time the Perth Mint has created a koala silver proof coin in high relief.

Perhaps just as enticing to collectors, these coins will be offered in limited mintages. No more than 10,000 will be sold to the public.

Now the Perth Mint is no stranger to koala coins. It has been issuing a series of silver bullion coins related to the marsupial since 2007. In fact, 2013 Australian Koala Silver Bullion Coins are scheduled for release on November 5, 2012.

Nor, for that matter, is it the first time that the Perth Mint has issued a high relief coin. The most recent example would be the 2012 Australian Kangaroo High Relief Silver Proof Coin that first appeared for sale in early July.

But never before has a koala silver high relief coin been issued. That distinction alone will likely be enough to draw many collectors from around the world.

Koala High Relief Silver Coin Designs and Specifications

The reverse features the standard 2012 koala coin design that first debuted as part of the bullion coin series last year. It shows Aleysha Howarth’s depiction of an adult koala sleeping on the branch of a eucalyptus tree. The front limbs of the koala can be seen draping around the branch.

Reverse inscriptions include "AUSTRALIAN KOALA" and "2012 1 oz 999 SILVER." In addition, the Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mint mark is seen on the reverse along with the artists initials, "AH."

The high relief is struck as legal tender of Australia. It features a legal tender face value of AUS $1. That is indicated on the obverse of the coin along with the inscription of "1 DOLLAR," "ELIZABETH II" and "AUSTRALIA." Those inscriptions surround Ian Rank-Broadley’s portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Koala High Relief Silver Proof Coin Technical Specifications

The Perth Mint places every 2012 Australian Koala High Relief Silver Proof Coin in a display case. The case is accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity which indicates the aforementioned mintage of 10,000. An illustrated shipper is also included with each purchase.

The silver proof coin is available worldwide directly from the Perth Mint. U.S. customers are asked to make purchases from the New York Mint at www.newyorkmint.com.

Initial pricing is listed at AUD $97.27 (~99.90 US), but that is subject to change daily based on silver market conditions.

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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).