The Perth Mint has started accepting orders for the seventh coin within the eight-coin Australian Opal series, which features nocturnal animals crafted in pure Australian opal. Previous releases within the series have featured the Koala, Wombat, Kangaroo, Pygmy Possum, Tasmanian Devil, and Masked Owl. The latest release features the Rough-Scaled Python.
The Rough-Scaled Python is a dark brown reptile with pale brown blotches, a triangular head and a thin body. Their scales have ridges along the middle giving them a rough, sandpaper-like feel. This non-venomous python kills its prey by constriction
The reverse design of the coin shows a depiction of the creature crafted within an inner panel of pure Australian opal. The outer panel includes depictions of fern fronds, the moon and the Southern Cross star constellation. Inscriptions include “ROUGH-SCALED PYTHON” and “2015 1 oz 999 SILVER”.
The obverse design contains the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II with the “1 DOLLAR” legal tender denomination below.
Each coin is struck in 1 troy ounce of .999 fine silver to proof quality. The diameter is 36.60 mm and the thickness is 4.5 mm. The maximum mintage has been established at 8,000 pieces worldwide.
The 2015 Australian Opal Rough-Scaled Python 1 oz Silver Proof Coins are housed in a special display case with a light, which turns on when the case is opened. This is intended to represent the moon shining down on the animal. The packaging is completed with an illustrated outer shipper and numbered certificate of authenticity.
For further information and ordering, please visit the Perth Mint’s product page.
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