Gold Ten Ounces 2006 Australian Nugget - Red Kangaroo, Coin from Australia - detailed information

The Australian ten ounces gold piece (abbreviated as 10 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 coin is part of the Australian Nugget bullion series by the Perth Mint, and features a Red Kangaroo on the reverse.

The series initially featured natural gold nuggets discovered in Australia, but in 1989 changed direction and started featuring kangaroos instead. It was eventually renamed the Australian Kangaroo.

When the Perth Mint launched its Kangaroo series back in 1987, it became an instant success. The Mint expanded the collection in 1991 to include 2 oz, 10 oz, and kilo versions. The 10 oz version featured the same Kangaroo design with each release and was issued by the mint up until 2009.

The Red Kangaroo depicted on the reverse is the worlds largest marsupial, with some adult males standing nearly six feet in height. These majestic creatures reside in the arid desert of Australia and subsist mainly on grass and herbage. They are specifically suited for dry regions and can survive with little water, as the moisture found in their food is sufficient for their survival. Female Red Kangaroos give birth to one baby at a time, and upon delivery, their joey will reside in the mothers special pouch for 8-10 months until emerging to live independently.