The Perth Mint first introduced the Platinum Koala Series in 1988, focusing on Australias native wildlife with new designs every year. This unique approach later inspired other programs like the Silver Kookaburra and Silver Koala. Right now, 1990 Australian Koala 1 oz Platinum Coins are available through Provident Metals.

Highlights:

• Come with an individual acrylic capsule!
• 3rd issue of the 1 oz Platinum Koala!
• Declared mintage of 28,121 coins!
• Contains 1 troy oz of .9995 pure platinum.
• The face value of $100 (AUD) is fully backed by the Australian government.
• On the obverse of the coin is Queen Elizabeth II.
• The reverse side features a koala on a tree branch with its joey on its back.

All 1990 Australian Koala 1 oz Platinum Coins are packaged in individual acrylic capsules. This years release is one of the lowest in the series history, with only 28,121 coins sold. Back in 1990, the Platinum Koala Series offered coins in five weights: 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, and 1/20 oz.

Obverse

The obverse of the 1990 Australian Koala Platinum Coin shows Queen Elizabeth II in right-profile relief. This image comes from Raphael Makloufs 1985 portrait, the third official effigy used during her reign. It features the Queen wearing the George IV State Diadem, a design that has appeared on many Australian coins over the years. The inscriptions here include ELIZABETH II, AUSTRALIA, and 100 DOLLARS.

Reverse

The reverse side of the 1990 Koala 1 oz Platinum Coin shows a koala in its natural setting. The artwork depicts the animal climbing a tree branch with its young joey on its back. During the early 1900s, koala populations fell dramatically due to the fur trade, but protective laws in the 1930s helped prevent further decline. Inscriptions here include THE AUSTRALIA KOALA, 1 OZ 9995 PLATINUM, and 1990.

History

Koalas have lived in Australias eucalyptus forests for around 20 million years. They evolved from larger, ground-dwelling ancestors into the tree-dwelling animals we see today. When Europeans first encountered koalas in 1798, they mistakenly believed they were a kind of bear, giving rise to the long-standing but inaccurate name koala bear.

Ordering

Please feel free to contact Provident Metals with any questions about platinum coins. You can call us at 1-800-313-3315, connect with us online through our web chat, and via our email address.