Earlier Wednesday, the Perth Mint of Australia started selling this year’s edition of the Australian Wedge-Tailed Eagle Silver Bullion Coin.
Marking a first for the annual coin, it is produced to a fineness of .9999 fine compared to the 2015- and 2016-dated issues that are .999 fine.
Designed by John M. Mercanti, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint from 2006 to 2010, reverses or tails side present the bird of prey standing imperiously on a tree branch. Around the image are inscriptions of AUSTRALIAN WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE, 2017, 1oz 9999 SILVER for the coin’s weight and purity, and a ‘P’ mint mark to denote its production at the Perth Mint.
"Rich in design detail, the shiny finish of the eagle’s plumage stands out in eye-catching contrast to the coin’s delicately frosted background," the Perth Mint describes.
Obverses or the heads side feature Ian Rank-Broadley’s effigy of Queen Elizabeth II with encircling inscriptions of ELIZABETH II, AUSTRALIA, and 1 DOLLAR for the coin’s legal tender face value.
Perth Mint-provided specifications include:
- Face value: 1 dollar
- Precious Metal Content (troy oz): 1.000
- Fineness: 99.99% purity
- Weight (g): 31.1
- Diameter (mm): 40.600
- Thickness (mm): 4.00
- Mintage: unlimited
Bullion coin and precious metals dealers are selling the coin for about $7 to $10 over spot with discounts offered at larger quantities. They are also sold from perthmintbullion.com.
