2024 Australian Koala 5oz Silver Proof High Relief Gilded Coin

This extraordinary 5oz silver proof high relief gilded coin features one of Australia’s most loved marsupials, the koala.

The koala is a very special Australian animal. That the koala “holds the affection of Australians more than any other of their wild animals” was suggested in The Wild Animals of Australasia, a 1926 tome that attributed their unrivalled charm to an “innocent, babyish expression and quiet and inoffensive ways”. Clinging to the trunk of a gum tree, the beloved marsupial in the design features a cherubic face of a forever charming koala.

Each coin is struck by The Perth Mint from 5oz of 99.99% pure silver in proof quality and is issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965.

The Perth Mint will release no more than 750 of the Australian Koala 2024 5oz Silver Proof High Relief Gilded Coin.

DESIGN

The coin’s reverse portrays a koala clinging to a tree trunk, and eucalyptus foliage. The koala and the coin’s rim are gilded in 22-carat pink gold. Included on the reverse are the inscriptions ‘KOALA’ and a ‘P125’ mintmark signifying The Perth Mint’s 125th anniversary, as well as the coin’s weight, purity and 2024 year-date.

The obverse bears the Dan Thorne effigy of His Majesty King Charles III, and the coin’s monetary denomination.

The coin has been struck with an extra-deep blank to showcase its superbly detailed design in high relief. Elements of this high relief design have been gilded in pink gold, superbly combining two celebrated minting techniques.

PRESENTATION

The coin is housed in a classic display case with a clear lid and includes packaging featuring a delightful koala image. The release is accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity.

Technical Specifications

ABOUT THE PERTH MINT

The Perth Mint, located in Perth, Western Australia, is one of the oldest and most prestigious mints in the world, with a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. It was established in 1899 as a branch of Britain's Royal Mint in response to the discovery of rich gold deposits in Western Australia. Its primary purpose was to refine gold mined in the region and to mint gold sovereigns and half sovereigns for use throughout the British Empire.

The Perth Mint played a crucial role in the development of Western Australia's gold industry, providing a local facility for gold refining and coin production that significantly contributed to the economic growth of the region. Over the years, it has evolved to become a leader in the precious metals industry, offering a wide range of services including gold and silver bullion bars and coins, precious metal refining, and jewellry.

After Australia gained independence, the Perth Mint continued its operations and, in 1970, it became wholly owned by the Government of Western Australia. Since then, it has expanded its offerings to include commemorative coins, investment products, and a wealth of services for precious metals storage, management, and distribution.

Notably, The Perth Mint has set several world records, including producing the world's largest gold coin in 2011, weighing one tonne and featuring a kangaroo design. It also operates one of the largest LBMA (London Bullion Market Association) accredited gold refineries in the world.

The mint is also a significant tourist attraction, offering visitors insights into Australia's gold mining history, the chance to view Australia’s largest collection of natural gold nuggets, and live demonstrations of traditional gold pouring.

Swan Bullion Company is proud to be an authorised distributor for both The Perth Mint bullion and numismatic products.