Australia’s most iconic animal joins the Platypus in Downies Australia by Night coin series
Back after its debut last year, Downies ‘Australia at Night’ series takes another darkened look at the weird and wonderful wildlife of this southern continent. The first issue had a fine look at the Platypus, the Donald Duck/Mickey Mouse hybrid that is quite unlike anything else out there. Finished in ‘Black proof’Â the whole coin is dark except for the animal itself, creating a neat, high contrast look that avoids any suggestion of gimmickry
This year, it’s the turn of the kangaroo. Now this is hardly an uncommon beast in the numismatic world, but we’ve rarely seen it done as well as it is here. A natural scene, not a forced pose, injects added appeal. The pair in the background give a subtle nod to the Royal Australian Mints stunning silhouetted kangaroo coins, but all told, this is one of the best looking kangaroo coins we’ve seen for years.
An ounce of 999 silver in weight, and wearing the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse, it has a mintage of 1,000 pieces – quite low for the genre. Nicely boxed, with a certificate of authenticity, this is a little pricier than the average at $169.00 AUD, but an attractive issue nevertheless. Available to order now.
SPECIFICATION | |
DENOMINATION | $1 NZD (Niue) |
COMPOSITION | 0.999 silver |
WEIGHT | 31.1 grams |
DIMENSIONS | 38.6 mm |
FINISH | Black Proof |
MODIFICATIONS | None |
MINTAGE | 1,000 |
BOX / COA | Yes / Yes |
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