The one dollar coin denomination (written as $1) was introduced in Australia in 1984, replacing the earlier banknotes. The original reverse design by Stuart Devlin on circulating coins has not been changed since its introduction. The denomination is also often used to issue circulating commemorative coins with various reverses.
The denomination is also used by both the Royal Australian Mint and the Perth Mint to issue an extensive range of collector coins which are legal tender in Australia but are not intended for circulation - such as this one. The coin is larger than the normal $1 coins.
This coin is part of the Perth Mint's Bush Babies series of coins featuring the babies of various native animals of Australia, and depicts a baby Koala.
The koala or, inaccurately, koala bear (Phascolarctos cinereus) is an arboreal herbivorous marsupial native to Australia. It is the only extant representative of the family Phascolarctidae and its closest living relatives are the wombats, which are members of the family Vombatidae. The koala is found in coastal areas of the mainland's eastern and southern regions, inhabiting Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. It is easily recognisable by its stout, tailless body and large head with round, fluffy ears and large, spoon-shaped nose. The koala has a body length of 60-85 cm and weighs 4-15 kg. Fur colour ranges from silver grey to chocolate brown. Koalas from the northern populations are typically smaller and lighter in colour than their counterparts further south. These populations possibly are separate subspecies, but this is disputed.
The coin was issued in a Philatelic Numismatic Cover (PNC). The $2.35 stamp features a delightful baby koala and is postmarked for the first day of issue, 1st July 2011, in the town of Merrigum VIC 3618. In addition, the envelope is endorsed with Australia Post’s Seal of Authenticity and official number. | 
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