The Perth Mint, based in Australia, has unveiled the 2021-dated designs for that country’s official bullion coin program.
The annual range of precious metal coins portrays detailed artistry of the kangaroo in pure gold, silver and platinum alongside the koala and kookaburra in Fine silver and complemented by the ox in the trio of metals in celebration of the forthcoming lunar calendar year.
Global demand for precious metals reached new heights in 2020, with global mints – like the Perth Mint and Royal Canadian Mint – working to capacity to fulfil customer orders.
“Since March, our coin manufacturing facility has been operating multiple shifts up to six days a week, striking a record 100,000 coins a day some days to meet the needs of the markets,” said Neil Vance, the Perth Mint’s general manager of minted products. “We are in unprecedented times. This year more than ever before, investors are looking to trusted and enduring assets such as precious metals to protect and grow their wealth in the face of challenging economic and financial times. Whether you’re starting your wealth creation journey or adding to your existing portfolio, having an exposure to precious metals helps to diversify risk, bringing balance to your investments.”
To deliver on quantity, the Australian Bullion Coin Program offers several features.
“Behind the scenes, talented artists who collectively possess more than 30 years’ experience in coin design together with a team of specialist engravers, polishers and production staff bring to life the fresh, original creative in consistent high quality, maintaining the appeal of the program among investors and collectors across the world,” according to a statement issued by the mint this September.
Coupled with a choice of coins weighing from 1/20 of an ounce to 10 kilograms, plus select mintage limits, the range “continues to be highly sought after,” adds the Perth Mint statement.
The one-ounce gold and silver lunar coins have sold out for 13 consecutive years.
Issued as official legal tender of Australia, the obverse of each release features an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II designed by Jody Clark.
Anticipating high demand for each series comprising the bullion coin program, the mint will stagger the release of its 2021 designs over the coming months.
The Australian lunar gold, silver and platinum series will be available in mid-September, with the Australian Kookaburra silver series scheduled for release in October. The trio of Australian Kangaroo coins will then follow in November, with the Australian Koala coins scheduled to be on the market in January.