| Coin | Platinum Twentieth-Ounce 1989 Australian Koala |
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The Australian twentieth-ounce platinum piece (abbreviated as 1/20 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). The 1/20oz format was added to the range in 1989. 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 one twentieth of an ounce, so as (accounting for the purity of the alloy) to have exactly 0.050 ounce of platinum content.
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| Mint | Perth Mint |
Mint Mark | Letter P |
Total Mintage |
8,967
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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 · 5 DOLLARS ·.
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| Reverse | |
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The reverse design of the coin depicts a mother koala and her joey (baby) on her back while perched on a eucalyptus tree.
Around the rim, the name of the series: THE AUSTRALIAN KOALA, followed by the precious metal content: 1/20 OZ 9995 PLATINUM (one twentieth of a troy ounce of 99.95% platinum).
Around below, the date of issue 1989. In small letters next to it, the initials of the designer, MT (for Michael Tracey).
The Perth Mint's P mint mark is below right, opposite the M of PLATINUM. |
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| Reverse Inscription |
THE AUSTRALIAN KOALA 1/20 OZ 9995 PLATINUM 1989 |
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| Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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| Notes | Platinum content (in troy oz): 0.050
Finish: proof.
Packaging: in plastic capsule and blue leatherette folder, with a Certificate of Authenticity (6,467 coins), or in five-coin set (2,500 coins).
There was no 1/20oz platinum bullion koala this year, only a proof version was released. Its design differs from the bullion issued this year; it was re-issued on the next year's bullion coins. |
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