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The Perth Mint and Australia Post are thrilled to present the first coin in this adorable new series featuring iconic baby animals.
The first release depicts a koala, one of Australia’s most beloved animals. The cuddly koala ‘bear’ is not really a bear at all, but a marsupial. Protected by law, the koala lives on a diet of eucalypt leaves from the tree of the same name. This furry creature is one of the few animals that actually has fingerprints similar to humans, and when distressed, the koala issues a cry that has been compared to that of a human baby.
Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the uncirculated aluminium bronze coin is housed in a beautifully designed card that fits inside a similarly illustrated envelope with a circular window revealing the coin’s reverse and obverse designs.
DESIGN
In this outstanding design for Australian Bush Babies, Elise Martinson portrays a beautiful baby koala with its eyes bright and alert. Portrayed in colour, the cuddly koala is set against a background of golden wattle, waratah and flowering gums. The design includes the koala’s insect friend, a cicada, and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark.
The coin’s obverse portrays the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the 2011 year-date.
OFFICIAL AUSTRALIA POST STAMP
Affixed to the envelope is an official Australia Post $2.35 stamp. The stamp is postmarked for the first day of issue and includes Australia Post’s Seal of Authenticity and official number.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Monetary Denomination (AUD) 1
Minimum Gross Weight (g) 13.80
Maximum Diameter (mm) 30.60
Maximum Thickness (mm) 3.10
Designer Elise Martinson |
