The kookaburra is the world’s largest kingfisher, with a body length of up to half of a meter. The kookaburras are also known as “laughing jackasses” due to their chattering calls. They form community groups within eastern and southern Australia, marking and defending their territory both with their calls and with force, if necessary.
The Silver Kookaburra coin minted by the prestigious Perth Mint celebrates one of the continent’s most special native birds; the Kookaburra. The coin was first introduced in 1990 and while it has not been around as long as others, it has since become one of the most sought out bullion coins on the market. The series is minted by Perth on an annual basis and they change up the design almost every year while the coin has always contained 99.9 percent fine silver.
Many of those familiar with coins or the precious metal industry have most likely heard of the Perth Mint. They were founded over 100 years ago as a branch of the Royal Mint which was to produce coinage for the British. They eventually went on to gain their independence; today the mint is well-known for the quality of the precious metal products it produces. One of the finest examples of their design artistry can be found on the Kookaburra coin.
Legal tender under the Australian Currency Act of 1965, the Silver Kookaburra is distinguished as a major Silver legal tender coin that changes designs annually. These .999 fine Silver coins have a superior quality finish which incorporates delicate, proof-like frosting within the central design. The obverse of the Silver Kookaburra coins shows Queen Elizabeth II, while the reverse features Australia’s unique kookaburra.
The front of the coin features a side profile view of Queen Elizabeth II. In the image she is depicted wearing her regal tiara and is right-facing. Such great attention has been paid to the design that you can almost make out each precious jewel upon her tiara. Surrounding the Queen are marking for her name “ELIZABETH II,” the country “AUSTRALIA” and the legal tender value assigned to the coin.
The reverse side of the coin, and where the coin derives its name, features the Kookaburra bird while he rests upon a tree. The image is magnified and depicted with extreme detail. Each feather on the bird has been applied to the design with great care. In the background are a number of leaves completing the scene. Inscribed above the image are markings for the bird which read “AUSTRALIAN KOOKABURRA.” Stamped below the image are inscriptions for the mintage year, as well as the weight and purity of the coin.
Unlike most other investment grade silver coins available to investors, the Australian Kookaburra is produced in more than just the one ounce size. Though it can also be found in this standard size, it is also available in 1/2 oz, 2 oz, 10 oz and Kilogram sizes. This offers collectors and investors a wide range of versions to choose from. While the coins weight may vary, it will always contain .999 pure silver and feature the same design.
As the Silver Kookaburras age, they gain value. While collecting historic coins can prove desirable for both collectors and investors, modern numismatic coins allow you to build up your portfolio without spending too much money. As your coins get older, they appreciate and become more difficult to find on the open market.