Australian Platinum Kangaroo Coins
Australian Platinum Kangaroos - the Perth Mint's newest bullion coins
The Australian Platinum Kangaroo coins are the latest addition to this series of Kangaroo-themed precious metal bullion coins that are issued by the Perth Mint. While the first Australian Gold Kangaroo coins were issued all the way back in 1986 (though still as Australian Gold Nuggets), the first Australian Silver Kangaroo coins only followed suit in 2015. The inaugural 2018 issue of the Australian Platinum Kangaroos was then made available for purchase on the 23rd of October 2017. The reverse side of the Australian Kangaroo platinum coins displays the "Red Kangaroo" design that is also used on the silver version of the coins as well as the larger denominations of the gold version of the coins.
Only brilliant uncirculated 1 oz coins are issued of the 99.95% pure platinum version of the Australian Kangaroo coins for now. Each coin is individually packaged in a protective plastic capsule. Sealed mint rolls contain 20 coins and sealed mint boxes contain 100 coins. The legal tender 1 oz Platinum Kangaroo coins have an official face value of AUD $ 100 and are fully backed by the Australian government. Annual mintage of the coins is unlimited and according to the current market demand. American buyers that are investing in platinum for their retirement can include the coins in their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA's).
Coin Specifications
| Weight | Face Value | Purity | Diameter x Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 oz | AUD $ 100 | 99.95% | 32.60 x 2.45 mm |
Platinum Kangaroo Coin Design
The British monarch Queen Elizabeth II is depicted in profile on the obverse side of the Australian Platinum Kangaroos. She is shown with her royal tiara. The depiction of the British Queen is meant to symbolize Australia’s ongoing allegiance to the crown and the British Commonwealth. The coin's denomination of 100 Dollars appears below her majesty's image and the words AUSTRALIA and ELIZABETH II are engraved to the right and left of her image.
Whereas the Gold Kangaroos depict a different kangaroo image on their reverse side every year, the Platinum Kangaroos display the "Red Kangaroo" design that also appears on each edition of the Australian Silver Kangaroos. The words "AUSTRALIAN KANGAROO" are engraved along the upper edge of the coins above the kangaroo image. The year of mintage, platinum weight and purity are engraved along the lower edge of the coins below the kangaroo (2018 1 oz 9995 PLATINUM). The Perth Mint's mint mark P appears to the right of the kangaroo's tail on the reverse as well.
A microscopic letter that can only be seen under magnification is also engraved within one of the letters that appear on the reverse side of the coins. The laser engraving of this microscopic letter is a measure that is meant to provide protection against counterfeiting.
History & Mintage Numbers
The Australian Platinum Kangaroo coins are the Perth Mint's latest addition to the popular series of Australian Kangaroo bullion coins. The inaugural 2018 issue of the coins is available since the 23rd of October 2017 and mintage is unlimited according to the current market demand. According to information published here by the Perth Mint, a total of 5,251 Platinum Kangaroo coins were minted in 2018. Annual mintage numbers of the 1 oz Platinum Kangaroos then increased, first to 6,781 coins in 2019 and then much more substantially to 20,610 coins in 2020.
Australian Gold Kangaroos
The 99.99% pure Australian Gold Kangaroo coins are also known under their original name as Australian Gold Nugget coins. After displaying various images of gold nuggets starting with their inaugural issue (as proof coins) in 1986, the coins quickly switched to kangaroo images in 1990 (1989 for proof coins). A new kangaroo image appears on the reverse side of the coins every year since then. The coins are offered in a wide variety of denominations by the Perth Mint, from a tiny 1/2 gram all the way up to the world-record 1 tonne coin. Both brilliant uncirculated (BU) and proof coins are issued. Annual mintage numbers of the Australian Gold Kangaroos are quite low compared to other gold bullion coins.
The Australian Gold Kangaroo page gives more information about the coins and allows you to compare current prices.
Australian Silver Kangaroos
The Perth Mint started minting the bullion version of the Australian Silver Kangaroo coins in 2015. The limited number of coins that were minted that year were 99.9% pure. Since 2016, the Australian Silver Kangaroos are 99.99% pure. The brilliant uncirculated version of the coins is only minted in the 1 oz size. Proof coins of 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz and 1/10 oz exist as part of a set but the 1/4 oz proof coins are also available individually. Whereas the Australian Gold Kangaroo coins depict a different kangaroo image on their reverse side every year, the same "Red Kangaroo" design is depicted on every annual bullion edition of the silver coins.
The Australian Silver Kangaroo page gives more information about the coins and allows you to compare current prices.