Henry Smith
Coins often depict people, animals, plants, or events significant to a region. The Perth Mint and the Royal Australian Mint both produce coins for Australia, albeit different coins. These coins, along with the literature that accompanies them, give insights into the culture of Australia,
The mints are about the business all marketing collectible coins, so quality, collectible coins are often attended with a short description of their subject as a selling tool. This material is available online at the mints’ websites, even if one does not purchase any coin. The mints of Australia are doing an excellent job of acquainting people throughout the world with the uniqueness and quality of Australia.
Some series are completely or partially sold out, like the Deadly and Dangerous series. But the Perth Mint continues to display these coins, and viewing the details can still provide valuable information. Of course, series eventually are removed, as is the case of the platinum coins depicting Australian plant life. Another series that has been removed is the one depicting Australian landmarks.
Currently, Australian animal life is celebrated in the Dreaming Series and the Sea Life Series. The Dreaming Series is being released over three years, but despite the fact some coins will not be available until 2011 the entire series is already being advertised. The Sea Life series is the new half-ounce silver coin series, and, while it is not available online, the coins are appearing online as they are released.
The base metal coins that are dedicated to the territories of Australia include New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory, and Australian Capital Territory. This is a 2009 series, and can be found at the Perth Mint’s website. This series is rather inexpensive at the mint.
The Royal Australian Mint has been has two series, the Land Series and the Ocean Series. The Ocean Series began in 2007 has four coins, the Biscuit Star, the Banner fish, the Bigbelly Seahorse, and the White Shark. The Land Series started in 2008 with the Rock Wallaby, the Echidna, the Wombat, and the Koala. The 2009 Land Series coins are the Frill-necked Lizard and the Bilby. Both of these series are in aluminum bronze, and are affordable.
These mints continue to offer coins depicting historic occurrences significant to Australia that are stand alone coins, and not part of a series. Viewing the offerings of these mints is well worth the time and effort.
This article is being made available from Black Spaniel Gallery at http://blackspanielgallery.comby the author. Links to major English speaking mints are available at Black Spaniel Gallery.
Visit the mints online and become acquainted with Australia.
