Western Australia’s rare Red-tailed Black Cockatoo is the first bird to fly onto The Perth Mint’s magnificent new Birds of Australia coin series.
Unveiled in Perth today by The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi and the Western Australian Museum’s Curator of Ornithology Ron Johnstone, the latest collector program will be a welcomed theme on Australian coinage.
“With some 800 species living in and around the country, our nation’s birdlife is certainly worthy of its own place on Australia’s legal tender coins,” said Ed Harbuz, Perth Mint Chief Executive Officer.
“Judging by the remarkable interest we have received from coin distributors and bird enthusiasts, we expect that the series will be as popular as our other programs which feature Australia’s iconic mammals and sea life,” Mr Harbuz continues.
Capturing the essence of the Red-tailed Black Cockatoo, the reverse of the first coin portrays the beautiful creature in vibrant colour, perched on a log among impressions of native flora.
The raucous Red-tailed Black Cockatoo is endemic in Western Australia and can be found in a variety of habitats. While the female’s black feathers display a pattern of yellow spots complemented by a banded orange and red tail, it is the striking red tail of the glossy black male that gives this species its name.
The Red-tailed Black Cockatoo coin is available from September 4, with future issues to feature a Budgerigar, Regent Bowerbird, Rainbow Lorikeet and Splendid Fairy-wren.
Each of the five coins which compromise the Birds of Australia collector coin series will be struck from 1/2oz of 99.9% pure silver in outstanding proof quality.
Issued as Australian legal tender, the obverse of the individual coins will depict the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the 2013 year-date and the monetary denomination.
Presented in a classic display box within an illustrated shipper, and accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity, every coin is priced at an affordable $67.50.
Only 10,000 of each design will be released for sale worldwide, with an exclusive subscription offer available from The Perth Mint located at 310 Hay Street in East Perth. Orders can also be placed by telephoning toll free 1800 098 817 (Australia), +61 8 9421 7218 (International), or by visiting www.perthmint.com.au TheBirds of Australia coins are also available from leading coin dealers and Australia Post.
Learn about more of The Perth Mint’s popular collector coins on http://blog.perthmint.com.au/ or follow The Perth Mint on Twitter @perthmint
