June 7, 2018 – Perth Mint has issued two versions of a silver proof high relief coin which features the 2018 Australian kookaburra design showcasing one of Australia’s most distinct and unique species. Each coin is struck by The Perth Mint from 1, respectively 5oz of 99.99% pure silver in proof quality, and issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965.
Australia / .9999 silver / 31.107g / 32.60mm / Mintage: 5,000.
The reverse of each coin portrays a flying kookaburra against the backdrop of a full moon. The inscription AUSTRALIAN KOOKABURRA, The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark and the 2018 year-date are also included in the design. The Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the monetary denomination are depicted on the coin’s obverse.
The coin’s high relief reverse and obverse are minted on concave surfaces to ensure the optimum flow of metal is achieved by the strike of the die.
Australian Kookaburra. Photo: JJ Harrison / CC BY-SA 3.0
Each coin is housed in a classic grey display case within a themed shipper and accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity. The Perth Mint will release no more than 5,000 of the Australian Kookaburra 2018 1oz Silver Proof High Relief Coin and no more than 500 of its 5oz pendant.
For further information, visit the official Perth Mint’s website.
On Youtube you can watch a video of Matilda the kookaburra using its characteristic call.
More information on the Laughing kookaburra offers National Geographic.