Today the Perth Mint released the Ghost Bat 2015 1 oz. Silver Proof Coin, the last in a series of eight coins showcasing Australian opal. With a mintage of only 8,000 and a price tag of $115.00 AUD (plus $10.45 GST), this dollar made of 99.9% pure silver is unlikely to be available for long.
According to a Perth Mint press release, the Ghost Bat—so named for its translucent, “ghostly” wings—is the only carnivorous bat in Australia.
The coin’s reverse features a depiction of a flying Ghost Bat, rendered in varying shades of opal. Surrounding this is an image of a wall and ceiling of a craggy cave along with Kurrajong flowers, sculpted in silver. The inscriptions GHOST BAT, 2015, 1 oz 999 SILVER, and the Perth Mint’s “P” mintmark curve along the coin’s rim.
The reverse displays Ian Rank-Broadley’s portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, with AUSTRALIA, ELIZABETH II, and 1 DOLLAR circling the outside of the design. The coin stretches 36.60 mm in diameter, is 4.5 mm thick, and weighs 31.135 grams. Its display case includes a light that turns on as the lid is opened, “to represent the moon shining down on the nocturnal creature.” The box also includes a Certificate of Authenticity.
The Ghost Bat follows the Rough-Scaled Python coin as the second 2015 release in the Australian Opal Series. For more information on the Ghost Bat 1 oz. Silver Proof Coin, or other available coins in the opal series, visit the Perth Mint’s Web site.
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