Gold Half Ounce 2012 Discover Australia - Kookaburra, Coin from Australia - detailed information

The Australian half-ounce gold piece (abbreviated as 1/2 oz and designated with Au for "gold") is a bullion coin format. Uniquely, in Australia there are two mints authorised to strike legal tender: the Royal Australian Mint (which also makes the country's circulating coinage) and the Perth Mint which only makes collector and bullion coins, as well as other bullion products.

Both mints endeavour to create coins with attractive designs, and to introduce new designs and themes often, in order to raise the numismatic value of the coins over the value of previous metal used.

This half-ounce gold coin is part of the 2012 Discover Australia Coin Series by the Perth Mint and features a Kookaburra.

Each of the five coin in the series depicts artistry inspired by the beautiful Australian landscape and its wildlife. The Kookaburra is one of Australia’s most recognisable birds found throughout the mainland and known for its distinctive laughing call. The bird’s white coloured plumage and brown facial stripe is distinctive, as is its loud laughing call. A territorial tree-dwelling kingfisher, the Kookaburra is believed to mate for life. Both the male and female partner share the incubation duties of their unhatched eggs, while other members in the family group later assist with the parenting responsibilities.