Earlier this morning, Colin Barnett, premier of Western Australia, unveiled the world’s first coin to feature a significant red diamond from Rio Tinto’s iconic Argyle Diamond Mine.
A world exclusive from The Perth Mint, the Kimberley Treasure coin is the only coin in its class. Valued at $1 million, the breathtaking collectible has been crafted from one kilogram of 99.99 per cent pure gold and features a radiant 0.54 carat red diamond unearthed from the famed outback mine in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia.
Delighted to unveil @PerthMint & @RioTinto million dollar coin #TheKimberleyTreasure. Don't worry, I gave it back. pic.twitter.com/uGRblhymLc
— Colin Barnett (@ColinBarnett) July 12, 2016
The design of the coin portrays a circular pattern of stylized sunbeams surrounding a bounding red kangaroo holding the scarlet gemstone between its front paws. The original artistry is bordered by the inscriptions “AUSTRALIAN KANGAROO”, “2016 1 KILO 9999 GOLD”, and features the Mint’s traditional “P” mintmark.
Premier of Western Australia Colin Barnett unveils the Kimberley Treasure coin.
The unique coin also displays the renowned Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse, confirming its status as legal tender of Australia.
Officiating at the launch event,Barnett said the coin’s creation was a great example of two companies sharing a passion for quality craftsmanship and Western Australia’s rarest and most valuable resources.
“The Perth Mint and Rio Tinto’s Argyle Diamond Mine have both been at the hub of Western Australian industry for decades, so I am delighted to unveil a collector’s item which captures two of the most beautiful treasures of our State,” said Barnett.
The Mint became a select atelier of Argyle Pink Diamonds in 2008. In 2012, the relationship between this prestigious pair strengthened with their shared vision to issue a range of luxury collectables. Since then, they have released several exclusive limited edition ingots and coins which feature symbolic designs of the Kimberley landscape. This latest achievement – the Kimberley Treasure coin – is the pinnacle of their collaboration.
“We are delighted to continue our relationship with Argyle Pink Diamonds to reveal this incredible object of desire,” said Perth Mint CEO Richard Hayes. “I encourage Perth residents and visitors to come and see this magnificent coin in our retail shop on Hay Street, where it will be on display until late August.”