Available are the fourth and closing coins from the Perth Mint of Australia’s one-year "Land Down Under" series. The 2013 Surfing 1/4 oz Gold Proof Coins and 2013 Surfing 1 oz Silver Proof Coins were released earlier this week.
Each has limited mintages with max totals set at 5,000 for the silver proof and 1,000 for the gold proof. The gold coins are composed of one-quarter ounce of 99.99% pure gold while the silver coins are minted from one ounce of 99.9% pure silver.
The "Land Down Under" series debuted earlier this year with the series dedicated to the history, cultural diversity and unique habitats of Australia. Previous program releases include:
- Sydney Opera House Gold and Silver Coins
- Didgeridoo Gold and Silver Coins
- Captain James Cook Gold and Silver Coins
Appearing on the most recent release are reverse designs emblematic of surfing.
"The first surf life-saving reel in the world was demonstrated at Bondi Beach in 1906 by its designer Lester Ormsby and the pastime was further promoted by the Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku’s visit in 1915," describes the Perth Mint.
"Surfing reached widespread cultural popularity in the 1960s, developing into a professional sport by the mid-70. Today, water-loving Australians count amongst the world’s most accomplished swimmers and surfers."
Depicted on the reverse of the 2013 Surfing 1/4 oz Gold Proof Coin is a female surfer as she rides an ocean wave.
This design is the work of Perth Mint artist Aleysha Howarth. Inscribed around the ocean scene are "THE LAND DOWN UNDER" and "1/4 OZ 9999 GOLD."
On the reverse of the 2013 Surfing 1 oz Silver Proof Coin is a male surfer standing with his surfboard, as designed by Tom Vaughan.
A colorful scene of the beach, waves and sky appear behind the surfer. All are against a map of Australia. Inscriptions read "THE LAND DOWN UNDER" and "1 OZ 999 SILVER."
Shown on the obverse of both coins is the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. Inscriptions include "ELIZABETH II," "AUSTRALIA," "2013" and the legal tender face values of "25 DOLLARS" for the gold coin and "1 DOLLAR" for the silver coin.
Complete specifications for the coins follow:
Surfing Gold and Silver Proof Coin Specifications
Surfing Silver Coin | Surfing Gold Coin | |
Metal Content (Troy oz) | 1 | 0.25 |
Face Value (AUD) | 1 | 25 |
Fineness (% purity) | 99.9 | 99.99 |
Minimum Gross Weight (g) | 31.135 | 7.777 |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 40.60 | 20.60 |
Maximum Thickness (mm) | 4.00 | 2.00 |
Maximum Mintage | 5,000 | 1,000 |
Reverse Design | Tom Vaughan | Aleysha Howarth |
Both coins are housed in a unique Australian map-shaped latex case. A numbered certificate of authenticity and an illustrated shipper is also included.
The coins from the Land Down Under Series may be ordered directly from The Perth Mint website at www.perthmint.com.au.