A six-coin series comes to an end with the Perth Mint of Australia’s release of the 2012 Rocket Frog $1 coin. Struck from aluminum bronze, the new issue closes out the Perth’s 2012 Young Collectors Animal Athletes series.
The final dollar showcases a rocket frog, which is native to Australia, lives near streams, swamps, ponds and flooded grassy areas and eats insects. It is known for its amazing ability to leap at distances up to four meters — more unique considering its relatively small 5 centimeter size. If the average human could jump a comparable distance in relation to his/her size, it would equate to about the length of a football field.
Shown on the reverse of the coin is the image of two rocket frogs in their natural habitat. One of the frogs is sitting still while the other is depicted in mid-jump. An inscription of the face value of the coin ($1) is also shown along with the Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mint mark.
All six coins of the 2012 Young Collectors Animal Athletes series depict different creatures from around the world that have uncommon athletic ability. The series debuted in March and has featured the following coins:
2012 Kangaroo $1 Coin (released in March) – This coin depicts two ‘boxing’ kangaroos set against the Australian outback.
2012 Monarch Butterfly $1 Coin (released in May) – The reverse of this strike showcased a monarch butterfly in flight. The butterfly is known to fly distances up to 425 kilometers a day.
2012 Cheetah $1 Coin (released in July) – Shown on the reverse is the image of a cheetah amidst the African plain. The cheetah can run at speeds up to 113 kilometers per hour.
2012 Sailfish $1 Coin (released in August) – This coin has a reverse design of a sailfish against a background of a school of fish. The sailfish can swim at speeds up to 110 kilometers per hour.
2012 Rhinoceros Beetle (released in September) – This reverse design showcases the rhinoceros beetle. The beetle is believed to be able to lift between 100 and 850 times its own weight.
These coins are struck as legal tender of Australia and feature the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse. Obverse inscriptions include "ELIZABETH II," "AUSTRALIA," "2012" and "1 DOLLAR."
Ordering $1’s from 2012 Young Collectors Animal Athletes Series
The six coins in the 2012 Young Collectors Animal Athletes series are issued, notes the Perth Mint, as an affordable way to introduce youngsters to the joy of coin collecting. Like earlier releases, the price of the Rocket Frog $1 coin is AUD $13.59. Its maximum mintage is listed as 7,500.
Each 30.60 mm diameter, 3.10 mm thick coin is housed in an illustrated presentation card. The card contains images and information on the rocket frog and folds out for display.
All six coins in the Young Collectors Animal Athletes series may be ordered directly from the Perth Mint website.
Ad Banner to Perth Mint Website
See additional Perth Mint product highlights for collectors from this site’s guide of Australian coins.
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.
