| Coin | Silver Five Ounces 2023 Australian Swan |
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The Australian five ounces silver piece (abbreviated as 5 oz and designated with Ag for "silver") is a bullion and commemorative 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 Swan range issued by the Perth Mint, which has a new design and usually depicts the Black Swan which is the state bird of Western Australia, where the mint is based. The 2023 design however portrays a white swan. Although black swans are closely associated with Western Australia, the historic town of Northam on the Avon River (a tributary of the Swan River) boasts a bevy of white swans. Said to be the only place in Australia where they breed naturally in the wild, the majestic birds were introduced by settlers in 1896. |
| Mint | Perth Mint |
Mint Mark | Letter P |
Total Mintage |
500
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| Obverse | |
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The obverse of the coin depicts the crowned old head of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the Royal Diamond Diadem crown and the Victoria Coronation necklace worn for her Coronation. This is her effigy known as the "Fifth Portrait" worldwide and "Sixth Portrait" in Australia, in "uncouped" version - showing the Queen's shoulders and not terminating at the neck as the normal version.
On the left, in small letters on the Queen's shoulder, the artist's initials J.C (for Jody Clark).
Running continuously around the rim is the monarch's legend and the face value: ELIZABETH II 1952 - 2022 · AUSTRALIA 2023 · 8 DOLLARS ·.
The legend is interrupted by the "memorial" inclusion of the dates of the Queen's reign, 1952 - 2022. |
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| Reverse | |
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The reverse design portrays a white swan in a serene wetland environment.
The inscription around the rim reads THE 5oz 9999 AUSTRALIAN SILVER SWAN. The background extends to the rim, going "below" the band with the inscription.
The P mint mark of the Perth Mint is in the right field just above the water. The designer's initials AH (for Aleysha Howarth) are on the left, just below the water line. |
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| Reverse Inscription |
THE 5oz 9999 AUSTRALIAN SILVER SWAN |
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| Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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| Notes | Silver content (Troy oz): 5.000
Finish: Proof FDC, high relief.
Packaging: accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity, the coin is housed in a classic display case with a clear lid and themed shipper.
Perth Mint SKU: 23328KAAA.
Release date: 3 October 2023.
Release price: AU$ 625.00.
Mintage limited to 500 coins, sold out.
The coins were issued during the reign of King Charles III; however, as his effigy was not expected to be approved for use in Australia until late in the year, they feature a "memorial" obverse with the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II and the dates of her reign, 1952 - 2022. |
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