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Australian Kangaroo Gold Coin
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About the Australian Kangaroo Gold Coin
Crafted from .9999 fine gold, the Australian Kangaroo Gold Coin stands as a testament to the Perth Mint’s dedication to excellence. Introduced in 1986 as the Australian Gold Nugget, the coin initially featured designs inspired by iconic gold nuggets discovered in Australia. In 1990, the Perth Mint transitioned to the kangaroo design, a symbol more universally associated with Australia, which significantly boosted the coin’s popularity among investors and collectors alike.
The annual design changes have become a hallmark of the series, keeping it fresh and highly collectible. Produced in denominations ranging from 1/20 oz to 1 kg, these coins offer flexibility for various investment strategies. Notably, the Perth Mint has occasionally released larger coins, including 2 oz, 10 oz, and 1 kg options, catering to collectors and investors seeking substantial pieces.
As a legal tender coin backed by the Australian government, the Australian Kangaroo Gold Coin combines aesthetic appeal with investment security, making it a prized asset in the global bullion market.
Australian Kangaroo Gold Coin Design & Features
The Australian Kangaroo Gold Coin features a beautifully detailed depiction of a bounding kangaroo on the reverse, symbolizing Australia’s unique wildlife and heritage. Struck in .9999 fine gold, the coin also carries the effigy of the reigning monarch on the obverse, with a brilliant, reflective finish and sharp relief that highlights every design element, making it both a striking collectible and a trusted investment piece.
Obverse Inscriptions And Characteristics
The Australian Gold Kangaroo Coin has the profile of Queen Elizabeth II of Britain etched into the obverse. She is pictured wearing her crown and royal jewelry. The Queen’s name, the coin’s face value, and “Australia” are inscribed along the coin’s edge.
Reverse Inscriptions And Characteristics
The reverse of the coin displays an engraved kangaroo that changes every year. The reverse typically depicts a picture of a kangaroo in its natural habitat, The Outback. However, previous reverse designs have included mother kangaroos and their joeys and a pair of boxing kangaroos. “Australian Kangaroo”, the mint year, coin’s weight, and purity are engraved above and below the image of the kangaroo. The exception to the reverse’s annual design change is seen on the 2oz, 10oz, and 1kg denominations. Each of these all have a red kangaroo engraved on the reverse and is credited to Ian Rank-Broadley.
COIN SPECS
COIN WEIGHTS
- Mint Perth Mint
- Dates in Use 1986 – Present
- Purity 99.99% Pure Gold
- Weight Varies
- Diameter Varies
- Thickness Varies
- Obverse Queen Elizabeth II of Britain
- Reverse Various kangaroo designs
- Face Value $5 – $100 AUD
- 1 Troy Ounce
- 1/4 Troy Ounce
- 1/10 Troy Ounce
- 1/20 Troy Ounce
Highlights & Specs
Every year the Australian Gold Kangaroo Coin comes in five sizes, 1/20oz, 1/10oz, 1/4oz, 1/2oz, and 1oz, each with its own diameter, thickness, and face value specifications. It’s important to note that these face values are in Australian Dollars (AUD):
- The 1 oz coin is 32.1 mm in diameter, is 2.8 mm thick, and has a $100 face value.
- The ½ oz coin is 25.1 mm in diameter, is 2.4 mm thick, and has a $50 face value.
- The ¼ oz coin is 20.1 mm in diameter, is 2 mm thick, and has a $25 face value.
- The 1/10 oz coin is 16.1 mm in diameter, is 1.5 mm thick, and has a $15 face value.
- The 1/20 oz coin is 14.1 mm in diameter, is 1.4 mm thick, and has a $5 face value.
The Perth Mint has also been known to release larger coins of 2oz, 10oz, and 1kg from time to time. Until 1991, the 2oz, 10oz, and 1kg denominations had $500, $2,500, and $10,000 face values, respectively, before they were lowered to $200, $1,000, and $3,000 in 1992. These three coins are some of the largest coins that have ever hit the market.
Understanding the Value
Australian Gold Kangaroo Coins are highly valued for both their gold content and their reputation as one of the world’s premier bullion coins. Struck from .9999 pure gold, these coins reflect the intrinsic value of their precious metal composition, making them a trusted choice for investors seeking stability and long-term growth. Their annually changing kangaroo designs add a layer of collectability, with certain years and limited mintages commanding higher premiums among collectors. In uncirculated condition, particularly when graded and well-preserved, they can carry significant additional value. This combination of investment-grade gold and unique artistry makes the Australian Gold Kangaroo Coin a sought-after asset for both investors and collectors worldwide.
COIN WEIGHTS
- Mint Perth Mint
- Dates in Use 1986 – Present
- Purity 99.99% Pure Gold
- Weight Varies
- Diameter Varies
- Thickness Varies
- Obverse Queen Elizabeth II of Britain
- Reverse Various kangaroo designs
- Face Value $5 – $100 AUD
COIN SPECS
1 Troy Ounce
1/4 Troy Ounce
1/10 Troy Ounce
1/20 Troy Ounce
Highlights & Specs
Every year the Australian Gold Kangaroo Coin comes in five sizes, 1/20oz, 1/10oz, 1/4oz, 1/2oz, and 1oz, each with its own diameter, thickness, and face value specifications. It’s important to note that these face values are in Australian Dollars (AUD):
- The 1 oz coin is 32.1 mm in diameter, is 2.8 mm thick, and has a $100 face value.
- The ½ oz coin is 25.1 mm in diameter, is 2.4 mm thick, and has a $50 face value.
- The ¼ oz coin is 20.1 mm in diameter, is 2 mm thick, and has a $25 face value.
- The 1/10 oz coin is 16.1 mm in diameter, is 1.5 mm thick, and has a $15 face value.
- The 1/20 oz coin is 14.1 mm in diameter, is 1.4 mm thick, and has a $5 face value.
The Perth Mint has also been known to release larger coins of 2oz, 10oz, and 1kg from time to time. Until 1991, the 2oz, 10oz, and 1kg denominations had $500, $2,500, and $10,000 face values, respectively, before they were lowered to $200, $1,000, and $3,000 in 1992. These three coins are some of the largest coins that have ever hit the market.
Understanding the Value
Australian Gold Kangaroo Coins are highly valued for both their gold content and their reputation as one of the world’s premier bullion coins. Struck from .9999 pure gold, these coins reflect the intrinsic value of their precious metal composition, making them a trusted choice for investors seeking stability and long-term growth. Their annually changing kangaroo designs add a layer of collectability, with certain years and limited mintages commanding higher premiums among collectors. In uncirculated condition, particularly when graded and well-preserved, they can carry significant additional value. This combination of investment-grade gold and unique artistry makes the Australian Gold Kangaroo Coin a sought-after asset for both investors and collectors worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much is the Austrailian Gold Kangaroo Coin Worth?
| The 1oz Australian Gold Kangaroo Coin is by the far the most popular investment option. At the time of writing, the spot price of gold is $1,771, and the buying/asking price for a 1oz Australian Gold Kangaroo Coin is approximately $1,859. |
Why is the Austrailian Kangaroo Coin sometimes called the Austrailian Gold Nugget?
The Australian Gold Kangaroo coin hasn’t always displayed a kangaroo. When the series first started in 1986, the original design showed an image of a simple gold nugget. This meteorite-looking image wasn’t physically desirable, leading to low public interest. After three years, The Perth Mint decided to change the coin’s design to feature one of the country’s leading animals – the kangaroo. But because the series was originally a gold nugget, the coin is still occasionally called the Australian Gold Nugget Coin. |
Why does the design change every year?
The Australian Gold Kangaroo Coin is unique among bullion coins because its kangaroo design changes annually. This tradition not only celebrates Australia’s iconic wildlife but also adds a level of collectability and appeal for buyers who enjoy owning different yearly editions. The changing designs can also make certain years more desirable to collectors due to their rarity or artistic significance. |
Gold Coins Available for Purchase
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The Austrian Gold Philharmonic, first minted in 1989, was created to honor the Vienna Orchestra—reflected in its distinctive musical-themed designs.
The Australian Gold Kangaroo, first introduced in 1986, is widely regarded as a benchmark for craftsmanship and quality in modern bullion coins.
The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf is among the world’s purest coins, featuring 99.9999% gold—and even higher purity in special editions.
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Questions?
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