The Australian one ounce platinum piece (abbreviated as 1 oz and designated with Pt for "Platinum") 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 fifth design by John M. Mercanti (the series features a new design every year).
The Mint says about it: "A remarkable tribute to Australia’s largest bird of prey, this pure platinum coin is a stunning addition to The Perth Mint’s Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle series featuring the fifth exclusive design by John M. Mercanti, former Chief Engraver of the US Mint.
In exacting detail, the coin's reverse depicts a swooping wedge-tailed eagle with its outstretched talons ready to strike." |