| Coin | Platinum Half Ounce 1988 Australian Koala |
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The Australian half ounce platinum piece (abbreviated as 1/2 oz and designated with Pt for "Platinum") is a bullion coin format.
The Platinum Koala series was introduced by the Perth Mint in 1988 following the large success of Australia’s gold coins in the previous year, and the approval on 18 June 1987 by the Australian government of the minting of platinum and silver coins. It is the world's first platinum bullion coin (the American Platinum Eagle series started nine years later, in 1997). Regular production of the series was discontinued after 2000 due to low demand; after that time, there are only some commemorative issues.
The overall weight of the coins is slightly over half ounce, so as (accounting for the purity of the alloy) to have exactly 0.500 ounce of platinum content.
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| Mint | Perth Mint |
Mint Mark | No mint mark |
Total Mintage |
60,029
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| Obverse | |
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The obverse of the coin shows the crowned bust of Queen Elizabeth II, facing right (her effigy known as the "Third Portrait"). The Queen is wearing the royal diadem which she wears on her way to and from the State Opening of Parliament, a pearl necklace and earrings.
Incuse in tiny letters on the neck truncation, the designer's initials RDM (for Raphael David Maklouf).
Around, the monarch's legend and the face value: ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA · 50 DOLLARS ·.
The Queen's effigy is polished; the background is frosted. |
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| Reverse | |
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On a frosted background, the reverse design of the coin depicts a koala facing the viewer.
Around the rim, the name of the series: THE AUSTRALIAN KOALA, followed by the precious metal content: 1/2 OZ 9995 PLATINUM (one half of a troy ounce of 99.95% platinum).
Around below, the date of issue 1988. In small letters next to it, the initials of the designer, MT (for Michael Tracey). |
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| Reverse Inscription |
THE AUSTRALIAN KOALA 1/2 OZ 9995 PLATINUM 1988 |
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| Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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| Notes | Platinum content (in troy oz): 0.500
Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated.
Packaging: in bespoke square capsule.
Mintage includes 48,029 bullion coins and 12,000 proofs. |
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