The biggest single day in the bullion coin calendar is upon us again, with the release of the Perth Mint’s 2021 core range. These are the long running classics like the Koala, the Kangaroo and the Kookaburra, as well as the eagerly awaited Lunar Series III entrant. We’re not talking about the myriad selection of low-mintage issues like the Emu, the Swan and the pirates ranges.

As always, changes to the specs and mintages are few and far between. The silver one-ounce coins take the new diameter of 40.9 mm on board (up from 40.6) and there are a couple of similar tweaks on other sizes, but we’re basically looking at the same as 2020 – no bad thing.

It’s a decent mix. The Koala and Kookaburra look good, both employing flora to good effect, and the gold Kangaroo design is easily our favourite. The latter has never been an animal easy to fit on a coin, but the mint has done a terrific job, in our view, easily the best for some time. The Lunars are obviously the most looked forward to, being only the second issue in Lunar Series III, the Perth Mint’s third run though this Asian calendar. We still prefer last years Mouse, but these are also fine designs, especially the gold with its subtle resemblance to the famous New York Bull. The calf on the silver that echoes the pose is a nice touch.

A lower key event compared to last year, that saw the debut of the new Lunar III artistic style, and the superb anniversary Kookaburra, this remains a very good selection that should please collectors. When combined with the numerous low-mintage ranges the Perth Mint has, it’s fair to say their place on the bullion coin throne is in little danger of being snatched away anytime soon.