Australian Silver Kookaburra: A Guide to the Iconic Silver Coin

The Australian Kookaburra Silver Coin, a numismatic masterpiece and a prime example of fine silver bullion, is a stunning piece of coinage artistry that celebrates one of Australia's most iconic birds.

This coin, crafted with the finest silver and quality condition, represents a must-have for collectors and investors alike who appreciate the value of precious metals. Produced by the Perth Mint, renowned for its quality and craftsmanship, this coin is not just a valuable investment but also a piece of Australia's natural wildlife heritage.

The first Australian Silver Kookaburra coin, a pivotal release in the series, was launched in 1990 by the Perth Mint. This series quickly gained popularity among collectors and investors for its beautiful design and fine silver content. Each year since its inception, the coin features a new image of the Australian kookaburra on the reverse, making each edition unique and sought after.

In 2018, the Australian Silver Kookaburra coin transitioned from .999 to .9999 fine silver (99.9% - 99.99% pure) making them IRA approved.

This change in the silver’s fineness was part of the Australian Perth Mint's ongoing commitment to providing high-quality precious metal products, enhancing the coin's appeal to both collectors and investors seeking higher-purity silver coins.

Coin Highlights:

  • Pure Silver Content: Each coin is struck from .999 or .9999 fine silver, ensuring a high level of purity and melt value.

  • Limited Edition: The Australian Kookaburra Silver Coin, a notable addition to any precious metal investment portfolio, is released annually with a limited mintage, emphasizing its collectible and investment appeal.

  • Unique Design: The coin’s reverse design features a new depiction of the Australian kookaburra each year, making every edition distinct. The obverse side of the silver coin typically displays either a side profile image of Queen Elizabeth II or King Charles III, adhering to traditional coinage mintage norms. The Great Britain and Commonwealth Queen's effigy is by Ian Rank-Broadley, while the British King's effigy is by Dan Thorne.

  • Security Features: Some years of the Kookaburra coins incorporate advanced security features, including a micro-laser engraved letter, detectable only under magnification, and reeded edges.

  • Legal Tender: These coins, with their denomination and face value clearly marked, are considered legal tender currency under the Australian Currency Act 1965.

  • Variety of Sizes: Available in multiple sizes and vary in their weight, including the popular 1 oz size, catering to different preferences in collectible and investment scales.

  • Investment and Collectible Appeal: The limited mintage and changing designs of the Australian Kookaburra Silver Coin series add to both the investment value and collectible appeal.

  • Australian Heritage: This coin represents a piece of Australian wildlife and cultural identity, featuring the iconic bird that is a part of the rich tapestry of the continent's ecosystem.

  • Global Recognition: The Perth Mint's reputation ensures that these coins, part of a prestigious series of numismatic collectibles, are recognized and valued worldwide.

Whether you are a seasoned collector or a new investor in precious metals, the Australian Kookaburra Silver Coin, a fine example of Perth Mint's craftsmanship, is an exquisite addition to any collection. Embrace the beauty and value of this exceptional coin, and own a piece of Australia's natural splendor.

What is a Kookaburra

A kookaburra is a bird native to Australia and New Guinea, renowned for its distinctive call which resembles human laughter. It belongs to the kingfisher family, but unlike most kingfishers that live near water, kookaburras are often found in forests and suburban areas. There are four known species of kookaburras.

The most well-known species is the Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae), famous for its loud, echoing laugh-like call that is often used as a stock sound effect in jungle movies. This call is typically used to establish territory among family groups and is often heard at dawn and dusk, earning them the nickname "bushman's clock" in Australia.

Kookaburras are sizeable birds, with a stout build and a large head. They have a prominent beak, which they use to catch a variety of prey including insects, small birds, rodents, and snakes.

In some cases, they are known to snatch food from barbecues and picnic tables, showcasing their bold and inquisitive nature.

In addition to their interesting behavior and distinctive call, kookaburras hold a place in Australian folklore and are featured in a popular children's song, "Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree."

Their image has also been used in Australian coinage, notably in the Australian Kookaburra silver bullion coin series produced by the Perth Mint.

Symbology of the Australian Kookaburra

The kookaburra, an iconic bird native to Australia, embodies a range of symbolic meanings that are deeply rooted in both cultural and natural aspects of Australian life.

Its most renowned feature is its distinctive, laughter-like call, which has made it a symbol of joy, laughter, and good humor, resonating with the carefree and positive aspects of life.

This unique trait has also earned it the nickname "bushman's clock," as its calls at dawn and dusk symbolize the start and end of the day, marking the passage of time in the Australian bush.

Beyond this, the kookaburra represents community and territoriality, as its loud call is used for establishing territory and communicating within family groups.

In terms of adaptability and survival, the kookaburra's varied diet and hunting prowess highlight its resourcefulness and ability to thrive in diverse conditions.

Culturally, particularly in Indigenous Australian communities, the kookaburra holds various meanings, often depicted in myths and art. The kookaburra can represent wisdom, knowledge of the bush, or even be seen as a symbol of good fortune.

The kookaburra's role in Aboriginal people’s stories adds to its cultural significance, illustrating various aspects of Indigenous storytelling traditions.

Finally, the kookaburra has come to symbolize Australian national identity.

Its status as an easily recognizable and beloved bird has led to its use in a range of Australian contexts, from children's literature to official emblems, including its depiction on the Australian Kookaburra silver bullion coins.

As such, the kookaburra stands not only as a symbol of Australia's unique wildlife and natural heritage but also as a representation of the nation's rich and diverse cultural tapestry.

Sizes of the Australian Kookaburra Silver Coin

The Australian Silver Kookaburra coin, produced by the Perth Mint, is available in various sizes, catering to the diverse preferences of collectors and investors. The most commonly issued sizes of brilliant uncirculated (BU) silver kookaburras are:

  • 1 oz (One Troy Ounce): This is the standard and most popular size for the Silver Kookaburra coin. It offers a balance between affordability and the coin's collectible and investment value. These are often delivered in capsules to prevent scratching, tarnishing, or a loss of silver content.

  • 2 oz (Two Troy Ounces): Larger than the standard one-ounce coin, the two-ounce version provides a more substantial option for collectors and investors.

  • 10 oz (Ten Troy Ounces): This larger size allows for more detailed depictions of the kookaburra design and appeals to investors looking to acquire more silver content in a single coin.

  • 1 kilo (32.15 Troy Ounces): The kilo coin (kg) is a significant investment piece, offering a substantial quantity of silver and a large canvas for the kookaburra design. It is often sought after by serious collectors and investors due to its size and silver content.

These various sizes provide options for different budgets and investment strategies. While the larger sizes (like the 10 oz and 1 kilo coins) are popular among serious collectors and investors for their significant silver content and impressive designs, the smaller sizes (like the 1 oz and 2 oz coins) are more accessible to a broader range of collectors.

All sizes of the Silver Kookaburra coin are renowned for their detailed designs, fine craftsmanship, and the reputation of the Australian Perth Mint for producing high-quality precious metal products.

Invest in a legacy of beauty and value with the Australian Kookaburra Silver Coin from the Perth Mint. These government silver coins are a perfect purchase choice for gifting during special occasions and a wise addition to any investment portfolio. Embrace the unique allure of Australian heritage with Australian Kookaburra silver bullion coins.

Enhance your silver bullion coin collection or investment portfolio with these remarkable Australian silver mintage bullion coins, available at Money Metals. For those looking to expand their investment horizons, Australian gold coins are also accessible on our site.

Since its establishment in 2010, Money Metals has maintained an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and received thousands of 5-star reviews from satisfied customers across the globe. We have been recognized as the Best Overall Precious Metals Dealer by Investopedia.

For inquiries (FAQ), product details, or assistance, reach out to Money Metals Exchange's dedicated, zero-commission, customer care team at our phone number:

1-800-800-1865

We are also interested in purchasing your Australian Kookaburra Silver Coins. Discover their value by visiting the product page and clicking on the blue box that says “Click Here to Sell to us,” or contacting us directly at:

1-800-800-1865

Stay ahead in the precious metals market by subscribing to the Money Metals Newsletter where we provide precious metals news, product information, updates on coin silver price, geopolitical insights, economic perspectives, and our insightful weekly podcasts.

Join our social media community on platforms including Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn, and stay informed on the latest developments in bullion bars, coins, rounds, and more.