Australian Silver Coins

Australian Silver Coins at BGASC

One of the most well-known mints in the world is Australia’s Perth Mint. Originally opened in 1899, the mint was the last of the three colonial branches of the United Kingdom’s Royal Mint in Australia. The Perth Mint was the last, and now only remaining of these branches. Eventually, the mint was handed over to the state government of Western Australia, which still has ownership to this day. Learn more about all the unique Australian Silver Coins available at BGASC, right here.

Annual Releases from the Perth Mint

The Perth Mint is well-known for its annual bullion releases. These coin programs usually feature an animal endemic to Australia. The mint is known for changing the design with each new release. Some of their more popular coin programs include the following:

• Australian Silver Emu: This newer series from the Perth Mint debuted in 2018. Coins are issued in a 1 oz size and every issue shows a unique emu on the reverse. The series also releases colorized coins as well.
• Australian Silver Kangaroo: This popular series started in 2016 and became the first coin program from the Perth Mint to have a purity of .9999 pure silver. Unlike their other coin programs though, this series features the same image of a kangaroo on every release.
• Australian Silver Koala: This coin program started in 2007 and has a new image of a koala on the reverse with every new release. Coins are issued annually in a 1 oz size and as of 2018, have a purity of .9999 pure silver.
• Australian Silver Kookaburra: The longest-running silver coin series from the Perth Mint is the Kookaburra series. Starting in 1990, this series also showcases a new image of the bird on the reverse with every new coin in the series.

While the reverse side displays the animal that the series is named after, the obverse of these coins features the reigning British monarch. Over the years, many different designs have been featured, such as the following:

• 1985-1998: Raphael Maklouf’s depiction of Queen Elizabeth II.
• 1999-2018: Ian Rank-Broadley’s design of Queen Elizabeth II.
• 2019-2023: Jody Clark’s image of Queen Elizabeth II.
• 2024-Present: Dan Thorne’s effigy of King Charles III.

Perth Mint Lunar Series

One of the more popular coin programs from the Perth Mint is their Lunar series of coins. The series started in 1996 and showcases unique images of the animals in the Chinese zodiac. The series initially ran from 1996 to 2007, before another series debuted in 2008 with the return of the Year of the Rat.

• Lunar Series I: 1996-2007
• Lunar Series II: 2008-2019
• Lunar Series III: 2020-2031

As of 2022, coins are released in the following sizes:

• 10 Kilograms -$300
• 1 Kilogram – $30
• 5 Troy oz – $8
• 2 Troy oz – $2
• 1 Troy oz – $1
• 1/2 Troy oz -¢50

Coins in the series from 1996 to 2016 all have a purity of .999 pure silver. Coins from 2017 and on, have a purity of .9999 pure silver.

The series has also seen many different variations of coins over the years such as gilded strikes, colorized proof coins, and 3- and 4-coin sets.

Other Popular Options

• Wedge-Tailed Eagle: This series debuted in 2014 and features unique images of the bird in each issue, for the most part. Notably, these coins are designed by John Mercanti, former Chief Engraver of the US Mint.
• Swan: Debuting in 2017, this series releases BU and proof strikes annually. Each release features a new image of a swan with a purity of .9999 pure silver.

Buying Australian Silver Coins at BGASC

For any questions about these Australian Silver Coins, contact the BGASC customer service team today. We can also be reached via email, through our online chat feature, or by calling us at 888-992-4272.