Design & History
The story behind Australia's iconic gold bullion coin, from the 1986 Gold Nugget to the modern Kangaroo series.
The Designer
Dr. Stuart Devlin AO CMG
Created the original kangaroo motif and Australian decimal coinage
Obverse
Monarch Portrait
King Charles III (or Queen Elizabeth II on earlier coins)
Reverse
Kangaroo
Iconic Australian symbol, design changes annually
The Perth Mint: A Legacy of Excellence
The Perth Mint, established in 1899, is one of the world's most respected precious metals refiners and coin producers. Originally opened as a branch of Britain's Royal Mint to refine gold from Western Australia's rich goldfields, it has evolved into a global leader in bullion production.
Today, the Perth Mint is wholly owned by the Government of Western Australia and operates as one of the largest refineries in the Southern Hemisphere. Its products are recognized worldwide for their quality, purity, and innovative designs.
The Perth Mint's commitment to excellence is backed by the Western Australian government guarantee, providing investors with confidence in the authenticity and purity of every coin produced.
Origins: The Australian Gold Nugget (1986-1989)
The Australian gold bullion program launched in 1986 as the “Australian Gold Nugget” series. These early coins featured images of famous Australian gold nuggets on the reverse, celebrating Australia's rich gold mining heritage.
- •1986: Launch year featuring the Welcome Stranger, Hand of Faith, and other famous nuggets
- •.9999 purity: From the start, Perth Mint committed to 24-karat gold
- •Multiple sizes: Available in 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, and 1/20 oz
The Gold Nugget design, while historically significant, faced recognition challenges in international markets. This led to a pivotal decision that would transform the series.
The Kangaroo Design: 1989 to Present
In 1989, the Perth Mint made a strategic decision to replace the gold nugget imagery with the iconic Australian kangaroo. This change dramatically improved the coin's recognition and appeal in global markets.
The kangaroo is one of Australia's most recognizable national symbols, instantly identifying the coin's origin to collectors and investors worldwide. Unlike many bullion coins with static designs, the Kangaroo features a new design each year.
“The kangaroo design transformed our bullion program from a regional product to a globally recognized investment coin.”
- Perth Mint Historical Records
This annual design change adds collectible appeal to the coin's investment value, making certain years more sought after by collectors while maintaining strong demand among bullion investors.
Obverse: The Monarch's Portrait
The obverse (front) of the Australian Kangaroo Gold coin features the portrait of the reigning British/Australian monarch, establishing the coin's status as official legal tender.
- •1986-2022: Queen Elizabeth II effigy by various artists over the years
- •2023-present: King Charles III effigy
The monarch's portrait includes inscriptions of the face value ($100 AUD), the weight (1 oz), and the purity (.9999 gold). This design element confirms the coin's government backing and legal tender status.
Reverse: The Kangaroo Design
The reverse features a kangaroo design that changes annually. Perth Mint artists create new depictions each year, showing kangaroos in various poses and settings that celebrate Australian wildlife.
Common design themes include:
- •Bounding kangaroos: Dynamic poses showing the animal in motion
- •Kangaroo pairs: Mother and joey, or multiple kangaroos
- •Outback settings: Australian landscapes and vegetation
- •Detailed artistry: High-relief details showcasing Perth Mint craftsmanship
Inscriptions on the reverse typically include “AUSTRALIAN KANGAROO” and the year of mintage, along with the Perth Mint's “P” mintmark.
What the Design Signals to Investors
For investors, the design conveys more than visual appeal:
Global Recognition
The kangaroo is instantly recognizable worldwide, facilitating transactions across borders and markets. Dealers everywhere know and accept this coin.
Government Authority
The monarch's effigy and legal tender status signal authenticity and weight/purity guarantees backed by the Australian government.
Annual Variety
The changing design each year adds collectible appeal, potentially supporting resale values for specific years while maintaining strong bullion demand.
Quality Assurance
Perth Mint's reputation for excellence means each coin meets exacting standards for weight, purity, and finish.
Strong Liquidity
The Kangaroo's widespread recognition supports competitive bid-ask spreads and ready markets when selling.
Kangaroo vs. Other Gold Coins: Design Philosophy
Different mints take different approaches to bullion coin design:
Gold Kangaroo
- - Annual design changes
- - Dynamic kangaroo imagery
- - Celebrates Australian wildlife
- - Collectible + investment appeal
- - Perth Mint since 1986
Maple Leaf
- - Consistent maple leaf design
- - Canadian national symbol
- - Focus on purity and security
- - Micro-engraved security features
- - Royal Canadian Mint since 1979
Gold Eagle
- - Classic Liberty design
- - Eagle family on reverse
- - American patriotic imagery
- - 22-karat alloy for durability
- - U.S. Mint since 1986
Krugerrand
- - Paul Kruger portrait
- - Springbok antelope reverse
- - First modern bullion coin
- - 22-karat alloy
- - South African Mint since 1967
Key Dates in Kangaroo Design History
Perth Mint established as branch of Royal Mint
Australian Gold Nugget series launches
Kangaroo design replaces gold nugget imagery
Annual design changes become signature feature
Series officially renamed “Australian Kangaroo”
King Charles III effigy debuts on obverse
Gold Kangaroo remains one of world's most traded bullion coins
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