Australia: New 2024 Investment Silver Bullion Coins Continue With Popular Kangaroo Series

The Royal Australian Mint release their latest investment silver coins featuring the indomitable Kangaroo.

by Michael Alexander | Published on September 17, 2024

Featured on silver bullion coinage since 1993, Australia’s most Iconic animal is the primary design on the Royal Australian Mint’s on-going Kangaroo silver ounce Series, now in its thirty first year. The kangaroo was first recognised as an official symbol of Australia when it was included on the nation's coat of arms in 1908. The first depiction of the kangaroo on national coinage was in 1910 with the minting and release of new silver coins ranging from 3 pence to two shillings. The four coins included the Australian crest on the reverse and an effigy of King Edward VII on the obverse. 

Found only on the Australian continent and primarily in the southern part of Western Australia, South Australia near the coast, and the Darling River basin, kangaroos are the only large animals to use hopping as a means of movement and propulsion – up to 25 feet in distance. They have large powerful hind legs, large feet designed for leaping, a long muscular tail for balance, and a small head. Since Kangaroos are not greatly bothered by predators, apart from humans and occasional dingoes, a kangaroo will back itself against a tree and as a means of defence, kick with clawed hind feet at an adversary, sometimes with enough force to kill an adult human. Based on research with red kangaroos, eastern greys, and red-necked wallabies, researchers have found the animals are primarily left-handed or true ‘south-paws’ as they predominantly use that hand for tasks such as grooming and eating.

Designed by Royal Australian Mint graphic artist Adam Ball, the reverse design features Australia's iconic kangaroo set against a stylised depiction of the Australian bush and two kangaroos, perfectly capturing their natural posture and vitality. The stylised background includes abstract representations of native trees and textured ground elements. The combination of realism and stylisation creates a balanced composition, highlighting the kangaroos while showcasing the natural beauty of its habitat. Just under the tail of the kangaroo in the front are the coin’s specifications, 1 oz .999 Ag. The obverse includes an effigy of HM King Charles III created by Engraver Dan Thorne along with the legend CHARLES III · AUSTRALIA 2024. The denomination of 1 DOLLAR is placed just under the King’s likeness.

DenominationMetalWeightDiameterQualityMintage Limit
1 Dollar.999 Silver31.1 g.40 mm.Select Bullion50,000

The select bullion strikes are encapsulated and available through the website of the Royal Australian Mint or a reputable bullion dealer. For additional information, please visit the e-webshop of the Royal Australian Mint.

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Author: Michael Alexander

Michael Alexander image Michael’s background in both numismatics and banknotes spans more than three decades and whose activities have varied from being a dedicated world coin collector to coin & medal design, marketing, theme concept and production. His additional interests include banknote research and in 1997, he founded the London Banknote and Monetary Research Centre to further these interests and activities. The company continues to offer monthly currency bulletins to both online and printed publications which includes information about the latest banknote news and releases from Central Banks and Monetary Authorities around the world. Michael has been a contributor to COIN NEWS magazine based in the UK since 1998 where many of his in-depth interviews, articles and bulletins have been published.

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