Australian dealer and producer, Downies, have issued the 11th design in their very impressive Australia at Night series. The series depicts iconic, and lesser known, native Australian animals, but in a nocturnal environment. It’s a neat twist on a subject that is extensively used on modern coins, and to be honest, Downies have done a terrific job to date with the artwork on them.

This issue features the Red-Eyed Tree Frog. Not to be confused with the ubiquitous South American animal, the Australian species is native to the east coast of the continent. They can reach a length of around 65 mm (females are the larger), and are bright green, with an equally intense yellow underbelly. They are insectivores, but despite their common status in a built-up region, they’re relatively little understood.

The coin design is very attractive, although we’re not surprised by that given the quality of earlier issues. Three of the frogs are depicted in wet foliage, with a moth, captivated by the light of the moon, flies in the background. Simple, but showing a fine grasp of perspective and depth. The silver coin has a black proof finish, except for the moon and the frogs, which remain silver. The gold coin has a standard proof finish, but here, the frogs and the moon are plated with platinum. In both cases, the contrast is effective.

The obverse on both is a bog-standard King Charles III effigy (by Jody Clark), but the presentation is first class, consisting of a gloss-black box, and a themed shipper. There’s a C.O.A. of course. Available to order now,