Learn About Australian Gold Kangaroos
The Australian Gold Kangaroo was initially released in 1987 and depicted the Australian Gold Nugget. Three years after its initial launch, designers switched the design from the Nugget to a Kangaroo, causing the series to generate high public interest. Since this design change in 1990, Australian Gold Kangaroos have become one of the Perth Mint’s longest-running collections and the most highly collected Gold coins worldwide by both coin collectors and wildlife enthusiasts.
These Australian Kangaroo Gold coins feature unique designs that display Australian kangaroos and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Australian Gold Kangaroos are produced in 1/10 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz, 1 oz, 2 oz, 10 oz, and 1 Kilogram weights, all perfect for any World coinage collection.
History of Gold in Australia
Most history books will tell you that Gold in Australia was discovered at Summerhill Creek near Bathurst, New South Wales in 1851. While this discovery of Gold sparked Australia’s largest Gold Rush, which led to a massive increase in the population and significant economic growth, the history of Gold goes much further back than this.
The history of Gold in Australia can be traced back to 1823, when it was first discovered in the form of nuggets on the banks of the Macquarie River, near Bathurst. However, it would be another 18 years before Gold was found in significant quantities
In 1851, prospector Edward Hargraves made the discovery that led to the Australian Gold Rush. After finding Gold in California, Hargraves was confident that he would find the same in Australia. After a few false starts, he finally found Gold at Summerhill Creek near Bathurst. The news of his discovery spread quickly, and within just a few months, thousands of people had flocked to the area in search of Gold.
Today, Gold remains an essential part of the Australian economy, and it is estimated that the Australian Gold mining industry employs around 11,000 people directly. The history of Gold continues to influence Australia – both in the history books and in the history of money itself.
Birth of the Gold Kangaroo
The history of the Gold Kangaroo Coins goes back to the history of the Australian Gold Nugget coin. After being introduced in 1986, it became so popular that in 1990, a change was made from a Gold Nugget design to that of a kangaroo. In addition to this new design, there were changes to weight and purity, making the Australian Gold Kangaroo one of the Perth Mint’s most highly collected coins.
The Perth Mint introduced the Australian Gold Nugget in 1986 as Australia’s first legal tender Gold bullion coin. The coin was struck from .9999 fine Gold and featured a design of an Australian Nugget, which was inspired by the original Gold nugget discovered in Australia.
Due to the history of Gold in Australia and the success of the Australian Nugget, it was decided that a change would be made to feature wildlife other than just the kangaroo. The first Gold Kangaroo Coin featured a design by Dr. Stuart Devlin, an acclaimed artist renowned for his work on coins, including the Australian Lunar series.
The history of Gold Kangaroo Coins goes back to the history of Australia itself and continues today to remain a highly collected coin worldwide. In addition to the beautiful designs, the history of Gold in Australia makes them more valuable than many other bullion coins produced around the world.
The Gold Kangaroo Design
In 1990, The Perth Mint introduced a new design for the Australian Gold Kangaroos inspired by the original Gold Nugget discovered in Australia in 1851. This unique design, created by Dr. Stuart Devlin, featured a kangaroo leaping across a stylized Australian landscape. The Perth Mint has released eight different designs of Australian Gold Kangaroos since 1990, with the most recent design being released in 2008.
The current design of the Australian Gold Kangaroo, first released in 2008, has been used ever since. The design features a single kangaroo leaping across a stylized Australian landscape. The design is intended to represent the power and athleticism of the Australian kangaroo.
Since the first release of the current design in 2008, there have been eight different designs of Australian Gold Kangaroos produced by the Perth Mint, including:
- 1991 – 1996 Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II
- 1996 – 1998 Golden Summer
- 1998 – 2001 Leaping Kangaroo
- 2001 – 2003 Hopping Kangaroo
- 2003 – 2006 Caught in the Act
- 2006 – 2008 Bounding Kangaroo
- 2008 – Current Single Strand Design
The history of the Australian Gold Kangaroo Coin is closely tied to the history of Gold itself in Australia. These coins are highly collected by both investors and collectors worldwide and continue to be popular to this day.
Other Facts about the Australian Gold Kangaroo
- The Australian Gold Kangaroo Coin is one of The Perth Mint’s most highly collected coins.
- Gold Kangaroo coins consist of 1 troy oz of .9999 fine Gold.
- This popular Gold coin features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse side.
- Australian Gold Kangaroo Coins are considered legal tender under the Australian Currency Act of 1965.
- Australia is one of only four countries with their own legal tender Gold bullion coin program – the others are the United States, Canada, and China.
- The Australian Gold Kangaroo Coin has quickly become one of the most popular Australian bullion coins worldwide and in Australia.
- These Gold coins are popular due to their unique history, design, and purity.
- Excellent investment option for investors looking at different Australian coinages.
Buying Gold Kangaroos with APMEX
Gold Kangaroos’ history is worth collecting and investing in, making them more valuable than many other bullion coins available today. Buying Perth Mint Gold Kangaroo coins for sale online with APMEX, or over the phone with our customer service associates guarantees safe delivery of high-quality products. If you experience any problems while placing an order on Gold Kangaroo coins with APMEX, we are happy to help. Our team of highly trained customer service representatives can answer any questions by email or telephone. Our team can be reached at (800) 375-9006 or service@APMEX.com.
Expand your collection today and shop our assortment of Gold Kangaroos from the Perth Mint.
