The Perth Mint has unveiled a unique, “never-to-be-repeated” $1.8 million three-coin collection featuring fancy-coloured diamonds.
The three-coin Australian Trilogy combines pure precious metals with “exceptionally rare” pink diamonds from Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine in Western Australia. Each of the one-kilogram coins features a different animal, each native to Australia, as well as a hand-set, natural fancy-coloured diamond.
“An essential aim for any proud organisation is to test its skills with the aim of surpassing all previous efforts. The Perth Mint has continuously challenged itself in order to extend its capabilities beyond the conventional. From a pioneering role in ‘colourisation’ and ‘gilding’ techniques, to casting our world record breaking One Tonne Gold Coin, we’ve never shied away from pushing the boundaries,” reads the mint’s website.
FANCY DIAMONDS
The first coin is crafted from 99.99 per cent gold and depicts two kookaburras on a wooden fence. The coin also includes a 0.47-carat round brilliant-cut fancy deep purple-pink diamond.
The second coin, this featuring a kangaroo, is struck from 99.95 per cent pure platinum and depicts the iconic Australian marsupial alongside an outback plain. This coin includes a 0.46-carat emerald-cut fancy dark grey-violet diamond.
Lastly, the third coin contains 91.67 per cent rose gold and depicts a koala beneath a eucalyptus tree. This coin contains a 0.58-carat emerald-cut fancy intense pink diamond.
“In the pursuit of perfection, up to 30 examples of each coin were struck before a process of scrupulous inspection and rejection resulted in three supreme choices (and the melting pot for those discarded).”
The Australian Trilogy, which is expected to be purchased by an “international buyer,” can be viewed at The Perth Mint in Australia throughout the remainder of June.