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Australian Gold Nugget Coins
Perth Mint Gold Nuggets
99.99% Gold
In the 1980's collector demand for gold coins prompted the release of the $200 Koalas by the Royal Australian Mint, but these coins were released at a time of a gold price boom and in very high numbers (in proportion to Australian population), and in 22 Carat gold. In 1986 the Perth Mint responded with its own gold collector coin series.
The Australian Nuggets featured images of famous gold nuggets , such as the Welcome Stranger and each size coin portrayed a different nugget, as well as changing design each year.
In 1989 the Kangaroo was introduced and the same design was used on all sizes , but continued to change annually. At that time the Perth Mint was producing the worlds largest, purest gold coins and is still a leading innovator in the field of precious metal coins.
This series enjoys far more popularity with collectors outside of Australia, the iconic design makes it widely known through-out the world. The political and economic stability of Australia also guarantees a high demand for these legal tender coins internationally. The packaging and very high quality of finish is taken for granted by Australian collectors, but greatly appreciated by others. The quality is head and shoulders above what many other countries have to offer, including the US and Canada. The care taken for production of most "bullion" coins is vastly different to the specimen quality on offer with the Perth Mint issues.
You may be tempted to buy the wonderful gold proof coins (they are good looking coins) from the Perth Mint as they are released, with the low mintage numbers and quality packaging making them seem very attractive. The problem is that the high price and small numismatic market which is crowded with a myriad of options for the collector has meant that these coins are often a "single purchase". There are very few collectors (if any) actually trying to complete the series, so as a direct result these coins can be often be found on the secondary market selling for a small premium over actual gold value (about the same price as bullion coins), this is the best time to buy them.
The downside is greatly reduced if you purchase them in this manner, with the (faint) possibility that these will become popular with collectors in the future.
These coins are the only major legal tender, pure gold bullion coins to change their design each year. This feature and their limited annual mintages give them potential for numismatic appreciation over time. The year date also changes annually.
Technical Specifications
All coins are legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965 and bear an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the monetary denomination on the obverse.
These coins are distinguished from other precious metal investment coins by:
- Annual design changes on the gold coins of 1oz and smaller.
- A government guarantee of purity and weight.
- Official Australian legal tender status.
- Distinctive Australian designs, easily recognized on the international stage.
- A superior quality of finish, which incorporates delicate proof-like frosting within the central design area.