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 seventh design by John M. Mercanti (the series features a new design every year).
The Mint says about it: Named for its long, distinctively shaped tail, the wedge-tailed eagle is Australia’s largest bird of prey and one of the biggest eagles in the world. With an impressive wingspan of up to 2.5 metres, it can also be recognised from its long, powerful legs which are feathered all the way to its feet.
By legendary US sculptor John M. Mercanti, the design portrays the imperious head of a wedge-tailed eagle. Distinguishing the animal from a delicately frosted table, a subtle range of shiny surfaces highlights the bird’s hooked beak and intense eye - key characteristics of its dominant predatory status. |