The Perth Mint introduced the Platinum Koala Series in 1988. It was among the first to highlight native Australian wildlife with new designs every year. The Platinum Koala became the starting point for similar series, including the Silver Kookaburra and Silver Koala. Right now, 1997 1 oz Australian Platinum Koala Coins are available at BGASC.

Highlights:

• Arrives in a protective plastic capsule!
• 10th release of the 1 oz Platinum Koala!
• Final mintage of 41,153 coins!
• Contains 1 troy oz of .9995 pure platinum.
• Bears a face value of $100 (AUD) backed by the federal government of Australia.
• The obverse features Queen Elizabeth II.
• On the reverse is a koala clinging to the branch of a gum tree.

Each 1997 1 oz Australian Platinum Koala Coin comes in a protective plastic capsule. The 1997 release had a mintage cap of 100,000 coins, but Perth Mint recorded total sales of 41,153 coins. That years lineup also included coins in 1 kilo, 10 oz, 2 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, and 1/20 oz sizes along with the 1 oz platinum coin.

Obverse

The obverse of 1997 Australian Platinum Koalas displays Queen Elizabeth II. This portrait, designed by Raphael Maklouf in 1985, shows the Queen in right-profile relief wearing the George IV State Diadem and was the third official portrait of her reign.

Reverse

On the reverse of 1997 1 oz Platinum Koala Coins, there is a depiction of a koala clinging to the branch of a gum tree. Koalas need connected tree corridors, suitable soils, and the right climate conditions to support the eucalyptus trees they rely on for survival.

History

Koalas live along Australias eastern and southeastern coasts in eucalyptus forests and woodlands. These marsupials rely on specific eucalyptus species for food and shelter, and different populations adapt to prefer certain varieties among the hundreds of eucalyptus species found across the region.

Ordering

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. BGASC customer service is available at 888-992-4272, online, and by email.