On August 2, 2011, the Perth Mint of Australia released the 2011 Platypus Dreaming coins struck in gold and silver. The coins are rectangular shaped and available in one ounce .999 silver, 10 gram .9999 gold, and 2.5 gram .9999 gold.
The reverse of each coin features the image of a platypus by Darryl Bellotti, a Western Australian Indigenous artist of both Yamatji and Nyoongar descent. According to Aboriginal belief, all life is part of a vast unchanging network of relationships, which can be traced back to the great spirit ancestors of the Dreamtime. In traditional Australian culture, the platypus is regarded as very special, and is one of the few animals that it is considered taboo to hunt or eat.
The obverse of each coin features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, along with the date, precious metals content, and legal tender face value.
The silver coin measures 47.60 mm by 27.60 mm with a thickness of 4.00 mm. The 10 gram gold coin measures 25.60 mm by 15.60 mm with a thickness of 3.00 mm. The 2.5 gram gold coin measures 22.60 mm by 13.60 mm with a thickness of 2.00 mm.
Each gold coin is housed in a presentation case with an illustrated shipper. The silver coins come in color presentation cards with a numbered certificate of authenticity. Coins are produced on a mint to order basis, but only for a limited time.
Additional information and ordering can be found on the Perth Mint’s website pages for the gold coins and silver coin.
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