Coin | Platinum Tenth-Ounce 2012 Discover Australia - Kookaburra |
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The Australian tenth-ounce platinum piece (abbreviated as 1/10 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 tenth-ounce platinum coin is part of the 2012 Discover Australia Coin Series by the Perth Mint and features a Kookaburra.
Each of the five coin in the series depicts artistry inspired by the beautiful Australian landscape and its wildlife. The Kookaburra is one of Australia’s most recognisable birds found throughout the mainland and known for its distinctive laughing call. The bird’s white coloured plumage and brown facial stripe is distinctive, as is its loud laughing call. A territorial tree-dwelling kingfisher, the Kookaburra is believed to mate for life. Both the male and female partner share the incubation duties of their unhatched eggs, while other members in the family group later assist with the parenting responsibilities. |
Mint | Perth Mint |
Mint Mark | Letter P |
Mintage Limit |
(1,000 )
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Obverse | |
The obverse of the coin shows the crowned mature head of Queen Elizabeth II facing right (her effigy known as the "Fourth Portrait"). The Queen wears the "Girls of Great Britain and Ireland" diamond tiara, a wedding gift from Queen Mary (Her Majesty's grandmother) in 1947 - which she also has on the Machin and the Gottwald portraits.
In small letters below the head, the artist's initials IRB (for Ian Rank-Broadley).
Around the effigy is the monarch's legend and the face value: ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA · 15 DOLLARS ·.
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Reverse | |
The coin's reverse depicts a Kookaburra perched on a tree branch; the forest background behind it is coloured.
Around above, the inscription DISCOVER AUSTRALIA.
Around below, 2012 KOOKABURRA 1/10oz 9995 PLATINUM (one tenth of an ounce of 99.95% platinum).
The P mint mark of the Perth Mint is to the right. The designer's initials TV (for Tom Vaughan) are in the branch above the bird. |
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Reverse Inscription |
DISCOVER AUSTRALIA 2012 KOOKABURRA 1/10oz 9995 PLATINUM |
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Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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Notes | This coin was issued individually boxed, or in a set with other members of the series.
Finish: proof, coloured. Packaging (individual coin): presentation box with a timber lid and illustrated shipper, with numbered Certificate of Authenticity. Issue price: AU$ 304.00 |
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Included in Set |
Discover Australia 2012 1/10oz Platinum Five-Coin Set, mintage unknown 5 coins: 1/10oz Platinum, Red Kangaroo, 1/1oz Platinum, Whale Shark, 1/10oz Platinum, Green and Gold Bell Frog, 1/10oz Platinum, Goanna, 1/10oz Platinum, Kookaburra
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