One Dollar 2011 Australian Bush Babies - Sugar Glider, Coin from Australia - detailed information

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 Sugar Glider.

The sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) is a small, omnivorous, arboreal, and nocturnal gliding possum belonging to the marsupial infraclass. The common name refers to its predilection for sugary foods such as sap and nectar and its ability to glide through the air, much like a flying squirrel. They have very similar habits and appearance to the flying squirrel, despite not being closely related - an example of convergent evolution. The scientific name, Petaurus breviceps, translates from Latin as "short-headed rope-dancer", a reference to their canopy acrobatics.

The sugar glider is native to parts of mainland Australia, New Guinea and certain Indonesian islands; it was introduced to Tasmania, probably in the 1830s. It is a popular exotic pet but is prohibited in some regions, including parts of Australia and the United States.

The coin was issued in a Philatelic Numismatic Cover (PNC). The $4.70 stamp features a delightful baby sugar glider and is postmarked for the first day of issue, 4th October 2011, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156. In addition, the envelope is endorsed with Australia Post’s Seal of Authenticity and official number.