It’s the first release run of the year from the Perth Mint and it’s a selection more for the gift market than for outright coin collectors. There are however a couple of really nice coins this month. Easily the best for us are the proof silver versions of the first decimal coins used in Australia. Beautiful designs that look superbly struck, this looks like a fine set for the coin collector.

Also up are the annual Gemstone Edition of the Lunar coin, a coloured 1kg silver behemoth that seems to divide opinion, and an Opal edition of the Lunar Monkey. The Opal range has been going for some time and seems to be very well liked, so this will be a welcome addition.

All the coins are available to buy from the Perth Mint website now.

50TH ANNIVERSARY AUSTRALIAN DECIMAL CURRENCY

On the 14 February 1966, Australia introduced decimal notes and coins to its currency, marking the end of its British currency system based on pounds, shillings, and pence.

The first decimal coins released in 1966 consisted of six denominations. A round silver 50 cent piece featuring a kangaroo and an emu; three copper-nickel coins, the 20, 10, and 5 cent, featuring a platypus, a lyrebird, and an echidna, respectively; and two bronze coins, the 2 cent featuring a frilled neck lizard, and a 1 cent featuring a feathertail glider. The Perth Mint was instrumental in the production of much of the low-denomination coinage for Australia’s conversion to decimal currency in February 1966, including the 1 and 2 cent coins. In the year prior to the launch of the new coinage, The Perth Mint struck nearly 105 million 1 cent and 2 cent coins.

The reverse of the replica 2 cent coin features the frilled neck lizard design from the original 2 cent coin introduced in 1966. The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark also appears in the design. The reverse of the replica 1 cent coin features the feathertail glider design from the original 1 cent coin introduced in 1966. The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark also appears in the design.

The Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the monetary denomination, the coin’s weight and fineness, and the 2016 year-date are shown on each coin’s obverse.

The coins are housed in a classic display case. Also inside the case is a pouch, containing an original 1 cent and 2 cent coin. The case is packaged within a beautifully illustrated shipper, and is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Designed by Dr Stuart Devlin. Price is $199.00 AUD.

SPECIFICATION

AUSTRALIAN OPAL LUNAR MONKEY

The birth dates for people ruled by the Chinese Lunar monkey include 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, and 2016. Those born under the influence of this sign are said to be intelligent, quick-witted, optimistic, ambitious, and adventurous.

The coin’s reverse incorporates an inner panel design of a monkey with a peach, which is symbolic of longevity and immortality, detailed in pure Australian opal. The outer panel of the coin depicts a collection of peach blossoms. The design includes the inscription YEAR OF THE MONKEY, the 2016 year-date, and The Perth Mint’s traditional ‘P’ mintmark.

The coin is presented in a prestigious display case with a light, which turns on as you open the lid, shining down and showcasing the stunning colours of the opal inset. The coin is accompanied by a stunning illustrated shipper and a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Designed by Natasha Muhl. Price is $115.00 AUD.

SPECIFICATION

LUNAR MONKEY 1KG GEMSTONE EDITION

This year’s gemstone edition from the Australian Lunar Silver Coin Series II depicts the monkey, the ninth of the twelve animals associated with the ancient Chinese Lunar Calendar.

The reverse of the coin depicts an adult monkey and a baby monkey sitting in a peach tree. The adult monkey has a stunning cognac diamond set in its visible eye. The baby is holding a peach, which is symbolic of longevity and immortality. The Chinese character for ‘monkey’ and the inscription ‘Year of the Monkey’ also appear in the design with The Perth Mint’s traditional
‘P’ mintmark.

The Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the 2016 year-date, and the monetary denomination are shown on the coin’s obverse.

Each coin is housed in a classic black and red display case and illustrated shipper and is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Designed by Ing Ing Jong. Priced at $1799.00 AUD

SPECIFICATION

2016 WEDDING

A wedding is a time for celebration and love, a time to rejoice in the joining of two people in matrimony before embarking on the next chapter of their lives together.

The coin’s reverse depicts a bride and groom embracing on their wedding day with two intertwined gold wedding rings. The design includes the inscription Congratulations, The Perth Mint’s traditional ‘P’ mintmark and the metal content.

The Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the 2016 year-date, and the monetary denomination are depicted on the coin’s obverse.

Designed by Jennifer McKenna. Priced at $109.00 AUD.

SPECIFICATION

2016 ALWAYS TOGETHER

The 2016 Always Together love coin features two cute puppies, one of the world’s most loved household pets.

Man’s best friend is one of the most loyal, protective, affectionate, and friendly creatures in the world. In addition to making wonderful pets, dogs are also used to assist vision impaired people, to guard and protect our borders, to aid police and other law enforcement personnel, to provide therapy and support the rehabilitation of people in nursing homes and hospitals, and as working dogs on rural properties.

The coin’s reverse depicts a coloured representation of a chocolate coloured Labrador beside a golden coloured Labrador, with paw prints in the background, and two bones with a bowl of food beside them. The design also includes the inscription ‘Always Together’ and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark.

Displayed in a classic presentation case, the coin is delivered in a delightful, coloured shipper with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Designed by Aleysha Howarth. Priced at $65.00 AUD

SPECIFICATION

2016 SNUGGLEPOT & CUDDLEPIE

Originally published in 1918, May Gibbs’ Tales of Snugglepot & Cuddlepie™ went on to become a much-loved Australian children’s classic. Her creation of a fantasy world within the Australian bush, using creatures and images that were well-recognised and found right across the country, has fascinated generations of Australians for decades.

The coin’s reverse depicts a colour image of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie sitting on a tree branch, surrounded by gumnuts and gum leaves. The design includes the inscription ‘May Gibbs Snugglepot & Cuddlepie™’, and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark.

The coin is housed in an elaborate themed gift card, with room to write the babies details, a family tree and a place to house a photograph.

Designed by Ing Ing Jong. Priced at $69.00 USD

SPECIFICATION

2016 NEWBORN BABY

Welcoming a newborn baby into the world is a time for celebration and joy. Whether it is the first born child or the latest addition to the family, parenthood is a rewarding experience filled with lots of loving memories.

To congratulate and capture the moment forever, The Perth Mint is proud to release a stunning Newborn Baby coin in a stunning gift card. This 1/2oz silver proof coin is dated 2016 for all babies born in the coming year and is sure to appeal to gift buyers and coin collectors alike.

In western folklore, parents have told their children for centuries that babies are delivered by a stork. As an Australian take on this legend, the coin’s reverse depicts a cute Australian kookaburra carrying a sleeping newborn baby in a swaddling cloth. A representation of Australian vegetation, the inscription CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR BABY and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark are also incorporated into the design.

The coin is housed in an elaborate Australian themed gift card, with room to write the babies details, a family tree and a place to house a photograph.

Designed by Aleysha Howarth. Priced at $65.00 AUD.

SPECIFICATION