2012 Discover Australia Gold Proof Coins are now available from the Perth Mint of Australia with five unique reverse designs in three different sizes each struck from 99.99% pure gold.
These very limited minted coins celebrate the diverse creatures found within the country and make their debut one month after similar silver proof coins were issued.
Like the related silver strikes, these Discover Australia Gold Proof Coins feature reverse designs showcasing the Green and Gold Bell Frog, the Red Kangaroo, the Kookaburra, the Goanna and the Whale Shark. All of the creatures are depicted in their natural habitat emblematic of the vast landscape found within Australia.
Discover Australia Gold Proof Coin Designs
The reverse of the Green and Gold Bell Frog Gold Proof Coin shows the amphibian resting on reeds. An inscription indicating "GREEN AND GOLD BELL FROG" is shown along with "DISCOVER AUSTRALIA," "2012," "9999 GOLD," the size of the strike and the Perth Mint’s historic "P" mint mark.
A jumping Red Kangaroo is shown on the reverse of the Red Kangaroo Gold Proof Coin. Behind the marsupial, an Australian bush scene is depicted. Along with an inscription of "RED KANGAROO," the rest of the standard inscriptions for the series can be seen such as "DISCOVER AUSTRALIA," "2012," "9999 GOLD," the size of the coin and the mint mark.
The Kookaburra Gold Proof Coin shows an image of the bird perched on a tree branch that is partially submerged in a river. Joining the design are the standard inscriptions for the series along with "KOOKABURRA."
The Goanna Gold Proof Coin depicts Australia’s largest monitor lizard in one of its many different habitats found throughout Australia. The inscription of "GOANNA" is added to the standard series inscriptions on the reverse.
Depicting the only underwater scene of the series, the Whale Shark Proof Gold Coin shows the shark swimming in the ocean. Underneath the creature is the inscription of "WHALE SHARK" which is joined by "DISCOVER AUSTRALIA," "2012," "9999 GOLD," the size of the strike and the Perth Mint’s historic "P" mint mark on the reverse.
All sizes and designs of the series feature a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse. The portrait was designed by Ian Rank-Broadley and is surrounded by the inscriptions of "ELIZABETH II," "AUSTRALIA" and the face value of the coin.
2012 Discover Australia Gold Coin Sizes, Specifications and Mintages
The Perth Mint is issuing the coins in 1/2 ounce, 1/10 ounce and 1/25 ounce sizes.
| 1/2 Oz. | 1/10 Oz. | 1/25 Oz. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face Value | $50 | $15 | $5 |
| Diameter | 25.60 mm | 16.60 mm | 14.60 mm |
| Thickness | 2.40 mm | 1.50 mm | 1.40 mm |
| Mintage Limit (per design) | 500 | 1,000 | 2,500 |
All of the coins are struck as legal tender of Australia as authorized by the Australian Currency Act of 1965. Coins are available individually from the Perth Mint website with current prices for the 1/25 ounce coins at AUS $132.00, the 1/10 ounce coins at $299.00 and the 1/2 ounce at $1,359.00. (Prices are subject to change daily based on the direction of precious metals.)
These strikes are also available as part of five-coin sets bundling all five of the same sized coins together. The 1/25 ounce Five Coin Set is currently offered for AUS $710.00, the 1/10 ounce Five Coin Set is available for $1,610.00 and the 1/2 ounce Five Coin Set is sold for $7,314.00.
Each coin is shipped either in an individual display case or a five-coin display case depending upon the option purchased.
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See other Perth Mint coin highlights from this site’s Australian Coin Guide.
About the Perth Mint
The Perth Mint, wholly-owned by the State Government of Western Australia, is the official issuer of the Australian Federal Government’s Gold and Silver Bullion Coin Program. The Mint opened in 1899 in response to the discovery of rich gold deposits in Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie. It was Australia’s third branch of Britain’s Royal Mint – the others being the Sydney Mint and the Melbourne Mint (both closed).
The Perth Mint remained under Britain’s jurisdiction until 1 July 1970, when ownership transferred to the State Government of Western Australia.
