The Perth Mint of Australia today began selling its limited-edition 2012 High Relief Silver Proof Four-Coin Collection. Maximum mintage of the collection is listed at a modest 1,000 units.
Found in the four-coin set are examples of the 2012 Kangaroo Silver High Relief Coin, the 2012 Koala Silver High Relief Coin, the 2012 Kookaburra Silver High Relief Coin and the 2012 Lunar Series II Year of the Dragon Silver High Relief Coin.
This collection marks the first time a set has been issued by the Perth Mint containing four high relief silver coins that made their debuts individually earlier in the year.
Designs and Specifications for Coins in Collection
Each of the $1 denominated coins are composed from one ounce of .999 fine silver for a minimum gross weight of 31.135 grams, a maximum diameter of 32.60 mm and a maximum thickness of 6.00 mm.
Shown on the reverse of the Kangaroo Coin is the 2012 Australian Kangaroo Silver Coin design as created by Perth Mint artist Wade Robinson. This coin originally debuted individually from the Perth back in July. It depicts the kangaroo in a traditional bush scene with a windmill and water tank shown behind the marsupial.
The Koala Coin first appeared individually in September. It shows a sleeping adult koala positioned on the branch of a eucalyptus tree, as designed by Perth artist Aleysha Howarth.
Found on the reverse of the Kookaburra Coin is a single kookaburra bird which appears as if it is looking back over its left wing. The design by artist Darryl Bellotti first appeared in high relief back in May.
Finally, the 2012 Year of the Dragon design is featured on the fourth coin in the collection. The mythical creature is shown curled around the edge along with a symbolic representation of the ‘pearl of wisdom’ and made its debut individually in March of this year.
As legal tender coins of Australia, all four coins in the collection depict Ian Rank-Broadley’s effigy of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse. Her name is inscribed as well on the obverse along with additional inscriptions of "1 DOLLAR" and "AUSTRALIA."
Order Details
While the limited mintage of 1,000 remains, the 2012 High Relief Silver Proof Four-Coin Collection may be purchased directly from the Perth Mint. Pricing of the set is initially listed at AUD $400.00 (~$415 US) but is subject to change based on the market price of silver. The set will ship free-of-charge if orders are placed between today and November 30, 2012.
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About the Perth Mint
The Royal Mint of England originally opened the Perth Mint of Australia (http://www.perthmint.com.au/) in 1899 as a branch of the London facility. Its original purpose was to refine gold from nearby deposits in Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie and mint gold sovereigns from it.
It continued in operation as a branch of the Royal Mint until ownership was transferred to the State Government of Western Australia in 1970. Today, the Perth is the official issuer of the Australian Federal Government’s Gold and Silver Bullion Coin Program in addition to producing some of the world’s most unique collectible coins.
I purchased this 4 coin set this morning. Four beautiful high relief pieces. I just wonder if I will get them graded. hmmmmmmmmmmm.. 🙂
Bought two high relief koala coins back in September. Real nice coin. Only 10,000 minted.
Mintage of 1000 (for the set)… that might actually hold some value! Start of a new annual set.