calandlew1

Part 6 in the series, and now that the mere bullion is out of the way, it's time to get classy. Oh no, wait, we're off to Australia. Just kidding of course; the Perth mint certainly don't muck about when it comes to producing top quality silver coins and arguably the most famous is their long-running Kookaburra series.


2014 Kookaburra - designer unknown. Note the P Mintmark on the reverse.

Despite once being a subsidiary of Britain's Royal Mint, the Perth Mint has been fully independent to produce investment bullion since 1987 and could teach it's elderly relative (and others) a thing or two about producing coins. You'll not see too many milk spots or production damage like scratches on these little beauties. Each "kook" features crisp proof-like frosting contrasting with mirror-finished detail, and comes in it's own flush-fitting capsule as well. So, they're nicely made and well presented, but that isn't what has made it such a special collectible.

Since it's introduction in 1990 this coin has featured a new reverse design every single year. Many other coins claim to have changing designs but have sometimes re-used a previous one. Not so the Kookaburra. although no individual artist is credited with the ever-changing sculptures, each year's design is totally unique, showing the distinctive Australian bird either in flight or in it's natural habitat. The obverse has only seen one major change, with the original Raphael Maklouf portait of Queen Elizabeth II replaced by Ian Rank-Broadley's updated and familiar design in 1999.

Production has been especially limited, with maximum mintages (for the 1oz coin) of 300,000 each year, until a generous increase to 500,000 in 2010 which will likely continue for the foreseeable future. This is still dwarfed by the mintages on other popular bullion issues: Half a million Kookaburras still pales in comparison to 40m US Eagles. One year that became slightly easier to get hold of was 1992. The initial production had been some 100,000 coins short of the stated limit, and so (based on dealer demand) it was decided to re-mint up to the 300,000 maximum, which predictably caused quite a controversy amongst collectors worried about their precious premiums. Allegedly such re-minting happened for other years as well, but never exceeding the overall mintage limits, which are quite strict as it is.

In addition to the relative scarcity, the other aspect that makes these coins sought after is the ability to create interesting sets: the coins come in a range of sizes in addition to the standard 1oz, (2oz, 5oz, 10oz and 1kg, minted according to demand) and shapes. Yes thats right, different shapes. Coins are generally round, but a limited number of Kooks in the shape of a map of Australia were produced in 2012 as part of the very rare (and imaginatively named) "Australian Map Shaped Coin" range which has featured a different animal each year.

Then there are various finishes (either proof, high-relief, colourised or gilded) and a spread of years in which a limited number carried privy marks for special commemorations - in fact Perth Mint's first privy-marked coin was a 2oz proof Kookaburra. Collecting every single variation and size would be a challenge to test even the most ardent collector and the stoutest of wallets. If you think you're up to it, just try getting hold of the limited edition 2009 20th anniversary set with it's distinctive "P20" mintmark for starters.

So, apart from the contentious re-minting issue (which at least gives a few more people the chance to own a Kook), this is a truly classic coin series, one that dares to walk the line between bullion and numismatic and arguably succeeds. If £/oz is all you care about, you are catered for elsewhere frankly - this is not for you. But for those who want something a little bit special, something you can enjoy and admire, you could do a lot worse than pick up a Kook next time you are shopping.


 

Something a bit different.
A massive mintage of 10 coins, each one consisting of 1/2 oz 999 silver.
The bonus is out of the 10, 9 are loaded with 0.05 bitcoin worth about £15 at current prices but 1 coin is loaded with 2 bitcoin worth nearly £600.
To check you need to peel the tamper proof hologram and redeem a private key underneath.  If you dont win it ups the value of the remaining coins as the odds of winning improve
I also have the first one minted so numbered #1 S Delux (stock pic below showing no #5)

These came today, it's all over I have the Panda bug.

10oz 2008 and 2016 kooks
 

New p20 2009 series coin 

8 PM Lunar monkeys
12  Somali Ellies
1 Meerkat
1 1/10 oz  2016 gold roo.
That 'll do for a while. I'm comfortably over 1000 oz now.

New p20 2009 series coin 

My first purchase; a roll of silver maples, and then a whole bunch of assorted stuff

2003 Silver Kookaburra bu, thanks @arshimo2012

2003 Silver Kookaburra bu, thanks @arshimo2012

2003 Silver Kookaburra bu, thanks @arshimo2012

5oz lunar S2 dragon proof.