Launched in 1/5oz of gold back in 2007, the Wojciech Pietranik designed Kangaroo at Sunset coin from the Royal Australian Mint (RAM) has become an absolute numismatic icon. A first glance an animal that appears difficult to represent well on a small round canvas, there has nevertheless been a run of brilliant kangaroo designs in recent years. The high-relief Mob of Roos and the antiqued, rimless coin from the Perth Mint are notable examples. This one is different.

Struck in 0.9999 gold, the 34mm diameter coin, the reverse depicts a kangaroo in motion along the line of the horizon, in the sky a low sun. With that occupying the top third of the coin, the lower section shows the kangaroo’s silhouette, elongated as the sun starts to set. A simple design and an incredibly effective one. The obverse is the usual Australian one featuring an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, in this case by Ian Rank Broadley.

In our last look at this design, a 1/5oz silver coin, we lamented the lack of change over its years of being issued, especially when you consider that the occasional variant that’s appeared, like the fantastic Kangaroo in Outback trio, is equally impressive. It’s hard to argue with an anniversary one-ounce gold version with a privy mark, however. Those wanting one of these coins and lucky enough to have this in their price range (it’s $2,600 AUD), should jump on this immediately. The rest of us will have to contend ourselves with tracking down a one-ounce silver version.

Available to buy now from the Royal Australian Mint website.

For 10 years, a lone kangaroo bounded across outback Australia, its silhouette casting a lengthening shadow in the setting sun. Coin collectors all over the world were enthralled by the simple but hauntingly beautiful Kangaroo at Sunset coin design.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the stunning Kangaroo at Sunset coin design, a never-before released premium one ounce gold proof version will be crafted to mark the occasion. This spectacular coin will bear a ‘10’ privy mark with a limited mintage of only 500.