Perth Mint 2012 Bullion Gold and Silver Coin Releases

Due for release on September 1, 2011 comes the first round of gold and silver bullion issues struck by the Perth Mint. Always an exciting time on the numismatic calendar, 2012 will have added significance with the release of the hotly anticipated Year of the Dragon bullion coinage, together with the continuation of traditional series favorites, the Kookaburra. The 2012 Koala Silver Bullion coins will be officially released on November 1st, 2011.


Australia 2012 $1 Year of the Dragon Silver Coin

Sure to set the bullion coin collecting world on fire over the next couple of months, with excited anticipation rumbling across various internet coin collecting forums, comes the "Big 3" from Perth Mint - The Kookaburra, Koala and Lunar Dragon.

Celebrating the auspicious Year of the Dragon, the fifth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac, comes the series of Silver Bullion coins ranging from the 1/2oz all the way up to the massive 10 kilogram silver coin. As well as appealing to collectors, these superb releases are perfect for people born in the Year of the Dragon – 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 and 2012. Those born under the influence of this sign are said to be confident, enterprising, independent, self-assured, brave and passionate.

With regards to the silver issues, no mintage limit applies to 1 kilo, 10oz, 5oz, 2oz and 1/2oz coins. Except for the 1 kilo release, production of these coins will close at the end of 2012 and The Perth Mint will declare each coin's official mintage. A maximum of 500 10 kilo coins will be produced on a mint-to-order basis. However, production will close at the end of 2012, when the coin's actual mintage will be declared. The Perth Mint will produce up to 300,000 1oz coins. Production will cease when the mintage is fully sold or at the end of the series, whichever comes first. Be warned, the 1oz Year of the Dragon Silver Coin is sure to sell-out very fast, being the most hotly pursued weight of the most hotly pursued lunar series.


Australia 2012 Year of the Dragon Gold Coin

The Year of the Dragon is also available as a gold bullion issue, with sizes ranging from 1/20oz up to a thoroughly impressive 10 Kilogram release. Similarly to the silver issues, there are no mintage limit applied to the 1kg, 10oz, 2oz, 1/2oz, 1/4oz, 1/10oz, and 1/20oz gold coins. However, production will close at the end of 2012, when The Perth Mint will declare each coin's official mintage. A maximum of 100 10kg coins will be produced on a mint-to-order basis. However, production will close at the end of 2012, when the coin's actual mintage will be declared. The Perth Mint will produce no more than 30,000 1oz coins. Production will cease when the mintage is fully sold or at the end of the series, whichever comes first.

Each gold or silver coin’s reverse depicts a dragon with a representation of a pearl. The Chinese character for ‘dragon’ and the inscription ‘Year of the Dragon’ 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 2012 year-date and the monetary denomination are shown on the obverse of each coin.

Euro Collections International would like collectors to know that Downies/ECI has started an official 2012 Year of the Dragon release blog at www.yearofthedragon.net.au, where you will find upcoming releases on a range of Year of the Dragon lunar coinage from around the world throughout 2011 & 2012.


Australia 2012 Kookaburra Silver Coin

Synonymous with all things Australian, the Kookaburra, with it's distinctive "laughing" call, has come to symbolise the Australian spirit of good nature amongst a sometimes harsh backdrop of conditions. The Kookaburra silver coins have come to be an important addition to world silver bullion releases, and the 2012 issue will be no exception. In 2012, The Perth Mint is releasing three silver bullion coins meticulously struck from 99.9% of silver in 1 kilo, 10oz and 1oz sizes. Only 500,000 1oz coins will be released. No mintage limit applies to 1kg and 10oz coins.

The coin’s reverse depicts a kookaburra sitting on a tree branch amid eucalyptus leaves. The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark and year-date are included in the design. Issued as Australian legal tender, the coin’s obverse bears the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on its obverse.


Australia 2012 Koala Silver Coin

Lastly, but certainly not least of all, we welcome the 2012 Koala bullion silver coin, to be released on November 1, 2011. Needing no introduction, the Koala silver coins have become a well-favoured inclusion in the Australian Silver Bullion Coin Program for several years now. Each year sees the designers at the Perth Mint come up with a new, eye-catching motif to feature on their coins. Released in a range of sizes, the 2012 Koala silver coins present a great range of choice for the investor or collector.

The koala is one of Australia's most popular animals, accounting for the exceptional success of the Australian Koala series. In 2012, The Perth Mint is releasing four silver bullion coins portraying an adult koala asleep on the branch of a tree. The reverse design also includes The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark and monetary denomination. The coin’s obverse bears the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on and is issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965.

No mintage limit applies to these coins for 12 months. However, production will close at the end of 2012 and The Perth Mint will declare each coin’s official mintage.

So stay tuned to Euro Collections International - either through our Facebook or Twitter pages, our weekly informative newsletter or just here on the official ECI blog - as our range of 2012 Australia silver and gold bullion coins goes on sale from September 1, 2011.