The koala, often referred to as the koala bear, is actually a marsupial. Newborn koalas are often underdeveloped and must continue maturing in their mother’s pouch.
The Australian Silver Koala was first introduced by the Perth Mint in 2007. Although the Silver Koala is one of the mint’s newer bullion coins, the design of Australia’s adorable marsupial and the Precious Metal content have made this coin very popular among investors and collectors alike. Made of .999 fine Silver and available in sizes , this Silver bullion coin is sure to enhance any portfolio.Traditionally, the Australian Koala Silver Coins have been available in four different sizes from the Perth Mint — 1 kilo, 10 ounce, 1 ounce and 1/2 ounce with face values of (AUS) $30, $10, $1 and $.50, respectively. However, beginning in 2011, the Perth also started offering a fifth option to the line-up, the 1/10 ounce ten cent strike.
Established in 1899, the Perth Mint predates the federation of Australia by two years. The mint was initially established for two reasons: to refine the vast amounts of Gold flooding in from various areas of Western Australia and to produce Gold sovereigns and half sovereigns to be used throughout Great Britain. Although Australia became an independent nation in 1901, the Perth Mint remained under the authority of the British crown until 1970. Following a 1987 State Act of Parliament, Gold Corporation, a company entirely owned by the Government of Western Australia, was established and mandated to operate the Perth Mint to market their Gold, Silver and Platinum Australian coins overseas.
The proof-like finish and limited mintage of the 1 oz. Silver Koala bullion coin can give the coin a higher premium in off years. Purchasing the silver koala bullion coin in it’s current year of production is often the best way to purchase the coin closest to its spot price, in silver.