2017 Australian Kookaburra 1oz .999 Fine Silver Bullion Coin
Coin/Bullion · The Perth Mint, Australia. Established in 1899 as a branch of Britain's Royal Mint, it is renowned for producing some of the highest-quality precious metal bullion in the world.
Pattern: Australian Kookaburra Series (Introduced 1990). This series features annual design changes of the iconic kookaburra bird, making it a favorite for both stackers and numismatic collectors.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
The Perth Mint, Australia. Established in 1899 as a branch of Britain's Royal Mint, it is renowned for producing some of the highest-quality precious metal bullion in the world.
Material
1 Troy Ounce of .999 Fine Silver. Unlike many historical silver items, this is investment-grade bullion with virtually no base metal content.
Dimensions
Diameter: 40.60 mm; Thickness: 4.00 mm; Weight: 31.107 grams (1 Troy Ounce).
Description
A pristine example of Australian numismatic art, the 2017 Kookaburra captures the naturalistic beauty of Australia's most famous bird. The contrast between the textured feathers of the birds and the smooth, reflective finish of the sky demonstrates the Perth Mint's mastery of the 'frosted' bullion technique. It serves as both a secure store of wealth and a miniature work of art.
Key Features
Unique annual design (two birds on a fence), .999 purity stamp, 'P' mintmark, and the high-relief frosted finish characteristic of official Australian coins.
Material & Composition
1 Troy Ounce of .999 Fine Silver. Unlike many historical silver items, this is investment-grade bullion with virtually no base metal content.
Finish & Decoration
Specimen finish featuring a combination of frosted/matte relief and mirror-like brilliant fields. The 2017 reverse design depicts two kookaburras perched on a wooden fence.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped on the reverse: 'AUSTRALIAN KOOKABURRA', '2017 1oz 999 SILVER'. The Perth Mint 'P' mintmark is visible on the left side. The obverse (not shown) features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II and the '1 DOLLAR' denomination.
Construction Details
Precision die-struck bullion. Manufactured using modern high-pressure minting presses to ensure consistent weight, diameter, and intricate detail.
Functional Features
Legal tender status under the Australian Currency Act 1965 with a face value of 1 AUD, though its silver value far exceeds this amount. Reeded edge for security.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coin). Currently housed in a soft plastic PVC-free flip for protection.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck but finished to 'Specimen' quality. The detail in the birds' feathers and the wood grain of the fence exhibits the highest tier of modern industrial engraving and minting.
Authentication Indicators
The crispness of the lettering, presence of the 'P' mintmark, exact diameter/thickness ratios, and the distinctive frost-to-mirror transition are all consistent with genuine Perth Mint products.
Origin & Manufacturing
Perth, Western Australia. Produced by Gold Corporation, the trading name of the Perth Mint, owned by the Government of Western Australia.
Era & Period
Modern Bullion / 21st Century. Reflects current global investment trends in precious metals and high-end sovereign mint technology.
Age Estimate
Dated 2017. Produced specifically during that calendar year.
Cultural Significance
Represents Australia's national identity through its unique fauna. It also signifies the modern shift where silver is purchased as a financial hedge rather than just for domestic utility.
Condition Notes
Appears to be in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition. It is protected within a plastic sleeve, which has prevented the high points from tarnishing or scratching. Grade: Excellent/Mint.
Value Estimate
Market price is determined by the current Silver Spot Price plus a collector's premium (typically $5-$12 USD over spot). Total value fluctuates but generally sits between $35 and $45 USD depending on market conditions.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid touching the surface with bare fingers (oils can cause spotting/tarnish). Store in its original acrylic capsule or a PVC-free flip. Do not clean or polish, as this destroys the numismatic 'mint bloom' and reduces value.
Similar Pieces
Australian Kangaroo (static design), Australian Koala (similar annual change), American Silver Eagle (static design, .999 pure), Canadian Silver Maple Leaf (.9999 pure).
Interesting Facts
The Kookaburra series was the first silver bullion coin to change its reverse design every single year, a strategy that revolutionized the bullion market by creating collectible value on top of silver spot prices.