I’ve always been torn by this coin. On the one hand it’s an absolutely superb design, a real icon. On the other hand it’s a limited proof design that has appeared essentially unchanged every year since 2009.  The Royal Australian Mint (RAM) always seem to do great Kangaroo designs, in my own opinion usually better than the local competition in Perth, and therein lies the problem. With great designs like the 2013 Road Sign Kangaroo, Kangaroo in Outback, and the especially beautiful in high-relief Mob of Roos, it’s patently obvious that the RAM can knock up a cool coin featuring this weird animal, so why don’t they? It would be good if there were at least some subtle variations each year, perhaps in weight or finish, but constantly reissuing the identical coin every year is diluting the coins uniqueness. I’d be really interested to read any comments you might have. Am I wide of the mark here?

It’s feels strange to pull a downer on such a beautiful example of minimalist artwork, but as the old saying goes, “Familiarity breeds contempt” and it would be a shame if stagnation tempered the respect this design by Wojciech Pietranik has built up. If you don’t have one of these, you’re missing out, but I’d recommend one of the early 1oz coins instead of these fifth of an ounce ones because the extra space really enhances the sense of depth inherent in the design. The 1oz coin at 40.6mm diameter has almost 4x the surface area of the 21.7mm, 1/5oz coin. At $60 AUD (8% less for international buyers), the 1/5oz coin doesn’t cost a fortune. It’s available to order now with shipping from 6 July.

MINTS DESCRIPTION

Since its first annual release in 2010, the Silver Kangaroo at Sunset coin has been highly desired by coin collectors in the domestic and international markets. In its fifth year, this exquisite and iconic Australian coin will continue to captivate discerning collectors as a must have edition to their collection. The coin has become a renowned numismatic piece which truly captures the spirit of Australia. The lone kangaroo crossing Australia’s plains has its shadow cast by the warm and embracing Australian sun. These truly Australian elements unite in an elegant design that epitomises the dream-like qualities of the country’s landscape.

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SPECIFICATION

DENOMINATION COMPOSITION WEIGHT DIAMETER FINISH MINTAGE BOX / COA
$1 AUD 0.999 SILVER 6.03 g 21.69 mm PROOF 5,000 YES / YES