Gold Kilo 2021 Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle, Coin from Australia - detailed information

The Australian one kilo gold piece (abbreviated as 1 kg 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 coin is part of the Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle series by the Perth Mint, and the sixth design by John M. Mercanti (the series features a new design every year).

The Mint says about it:
This magnificent tribute to Australia’s largest bird of prey is The Perth Mint’s first kilo-sized gold coin featuring an "incused" design.

The subject of master coin engraver John M. Mercanti’s outstanding artistry since 2014, the wedge-tailed eagle can be observed throughout mainland Australia and in the island state of Tasmania. It favours lightly wooded country offering ready access to prey including rabbits, hares, lizards and snakes.

The coin’s impressively detailed artistry portrays a swooping wedge-tailed eagle with a snake in it's talons. Unlike a traditional raised relief coin, its design is incused - meaning it is pressed below the surface of the coin by the die.