Australian Kookaburra coins, popularly known as "Silver Kookaburras," are struck with .999 pure silver at the Perth Mint in Australia. Their distinguishing characteristic is a yearly design change, differentiating them from other silver bullion coins. These Kookaburra Silver Coins satisfy IRS purity requirements for IRA investments. You can include these unique coins in your portfolio for diversification and price appreciation. Learn more about their history, distinctive designs, and pricing below.
Australian Kookaburra Silver Coins
In 1990, the first Australian Kookaburra Silver Coins were approved for production by the mint. Like the Australian Gold Kangaroo/Nugget coins, the management decided that the design of Silver Kookaburras would change each year to enhance their value.
Australian bullion coins mostly feature animals exclusive to their continent. The kookaburra, a bird resembling a "kingfisher," excels as an Outback hunter. Its remarkable feathers and loud, even "wild," laughing sound make it unique.
The Kookaburra Silver Coins have become incredibly popular, especially when they started making 1-ounce coins at the Perth Mint. Initially, they only made up to 300,000 of these 1 oz coins each year from 1990 to 2010. But because many people worldwide really wanted them, they decided to make up to 500,000 each year after 2011.
Popular Kookaburra Silver Coins
Perth Mint gained prominence through its captivating animal-themed series, with the Kookaburra Silver Coins being a significant part of this initiative. The Silver Kookaburra series debuted in 1990, commemorating Australia's distinctive fauna and demonstrating the mint's exceptional craftsmanship. Here are the most prized Kookaburra coins:
1) 2023 Silver Perth Kookaburra 1 oz BU
It contains 1 oz of 9999 pure Silver, featuring Queen Elizabeth II's 6th gen effigy on the obverse. The reverse displays two kookaburras on branches with the Perth Mintmark.
2) 2022 Silver Perth Mint Kookaburra 1 Kilo BU
This impressive piece contains 1 kilo of .9999 pure silver with unlimited mintage. It showcases Queen Elizabeth II's 6th gen effigy on the obverse and a kookaburra on a bird bath surrounded by Agapanthus on the reverse.
3) 2022 Australia Perth Kookaburra 1 oz Silver BU
This stunning piece contains 1 Troy oz of .9999 pure silver, with a limited mintage of 500,000. It has the same design described for the 2022 Silver Perth Mint Kookaburra 1 Kilo BU coin.
About Perth Mint
The Perth Mint stands as the most prominent mint in Australia. Established in 1899 by the Royal Mint of London, it was accompanied by existing branches in Sydney (1855) and Melbourne (1872). Over time, the Sydney and Melbourne branches ceased operations, leaving the Perth Mint as Australia's oldest functioning mint. True to its name, it is situated in Perth, Australia.
The connection between the Perth Mint and Australia's governing body goes back. Before achieving independence, the mint operated under the direction of London. Today, Australia manages the Perth Mint independently, free from English control.
Historically, the mint played a pivotal role within the British Empire. But in the early 1930s, England transitioned away from the gold standard. Before 1931, the Perth Mint produced an impressive tally of over 106 million gold sovereigns, serving as a cornerstone of Australia's currency system.
Coin Design and Specifications of Kookaburra Silver Coins
All Australian Kookaburra Silver Coins feature Queen Elizabeth II's image on the front ("obverse"). Each edition comes with her appearance reflecting her age during the year of minting. Initially, the coins displayed a youthful Queen Elizabeth II, but, consistent with other Australian coins, this was later updated to depict a more mature queen with a lighter expression. Surrounding her portrait are inscriptions ELIZABETH II, AUSTRALIA, and the Face Value.
The other side of Kookaburra Silver Coins shows different renditions of kookaburra birds, which change yearly. Around the image, you'll see the words "THE AUSTRALIAN KOOKABURRA" and the year it was made (like 2009) is at the bottom. There's also some tiny writing on the coin that tells you how heavy it is (for example, one oz.) and what kind of metal it's made from (like .999 SILVER).
Special versions of Kookaburra silver coins are sometimes made for people who collect or invest in them. A recent one was the "Dragon Privy" Silver Kookaburra coin. They only made 80,000 of these. They had a remarkable picture of a dragon on them!
Specification: There are four different sizes of Australian Silver Kookaburra coins. Unlike some coins with smaller dimensions, these don't come in halves or quarters. Even though they weigh differently, the picture on the other side differs.
Key Advantages of Kookaburra Silver Coins as an Investment
One troy ounce: Face Value A$1, Coin Weight 31.135 g, Diameter 40.60 mm, Thickness 4.00 mm
Two troy ounces: Face Value A$2, Coin Weight 62.770 g, Diameter 53.30 mm, Thickness 4.50 mm
Ten troy ounces: Face Value A$10, Coin Weight 312.347 g, Diameter 75.50 mm, Thickness 8.70 mm
One kilogram: Face Value A$30, Coin Weight 1002.502 g, Diameter 101.00 mm, Thickness 14.60 mm
Key Advantages of Kookaburra Silver Coins as an Investment
Australian Silver Kookaburra coins have a legal face value, but their value is higher due to the market price of silver. They are legal tender with symbolic meaning, while their true worth depends on daily silver prices. Limited supply and unique yearly minting can give them added value for collectors. These coins are suitable for self-directed IRAs. Its main benefits as an investment choice are:
1) Global Recognition and Liquidity: Easily liquefiable and tradable worldwide.
2) Limited Mintage and Collectible Appeal: Adds numismatic value to any portfolio.
3) Variety of Sizes: Cater to different investment preferences.
4) Diversification and Portfolio Protection: Shield against market fluctuations.
5) Safe-Haven Asset: Provides stability in uncertain economic times.
Conclusion
To summarize, these reasons should confidently affirm the unique value that Kookaburra Silver Coins bring to your portfolio. Take advantage of the opportunity and discover the exciting offerings on BOLD Precious Metal's website. Each coin arrives individually encased in a protective mint capsule, with quick shipping and the best competitive pricing.
