The Perth Mint recently unveiled a “numismatic masterpiece of unprecedented beauty” known as The Jewelled Phoenix.
The Proof-quality Australian coin is produced from 10 ounces of 99.99 per cent gold and includes 1.22 carats of rare natural fancy pink diamonds. Specially selected from the world famed Argyle Pink Diamond mine located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, the majority of the sparkling gems are pavé set in a sculpted rose gold representation of a mystical Chinese phoenix secured to the coin’s reverse.
“We have been issuing commemorative and investment coins with designs inspired by the Lunar calendar and other culturally significant symbols for many years, yet the fine detail and artistry of this latest release has taken our craftsmanship to the next level,” said Perth Mint CEO Richard Hayes.
The phoenix—known as the immortal king of birds—is richly symbolic in Oriental culture. It’s shown settling on a fabled paulownia tree, flawlessly struck on the coin’s mirror like table. With three handset pink diamonds denoting its budding flowers, the tree combines with the striking beauty of the phoenix in an overall design that exuded an aura of stunning splendour.
| Gold content | 10 Troy ounces |
| Gold fineness | 99.99 per cent |
| Rose gold content | .450 Troy ounces |
| Rose gold fineness | 81.71 per cent |
| Argyle Pink Diamonds | 1.22 carats |
| Quality | Fancy Intense/Vivid Pink/Purplish Pink |
| Monetary denomination | 2,000 AUD |
| Minimum weight | 325.366 grams |
| Maximum diameter | 60.60 mm |
| Maximum thickness | 12.83 mm |
| Maximum mintage | Eight coins |
| Designer | Aleysha Howarth |