Perth Mint embraces challenge of crafting its most prestigious coin set yet
An essential aim for any proud organisation is to test its skills with the aim of surpassing all previous efforts. The Perth Mint has continuously challenged itself in order to extend its capabilities beyond the conventional.
From a pioneering role in ‘colourisation’ and ‘gilding’ techniques, to casting our world record breaking One Tonne Gold Coin, we’ve never shied away from pushing the boundaries.
Recently, we created an innovative and prestigious range of iconic Australian coins combining pure precious metals with exceptionally rare pink diamonds from Western Australia’s Argyle Diamond Mine. Now, we’ve taken this stunning blend of natural treasures to a new level with the unveiling of The Australian Trilogy, possibly the most magnificent Australian Three-Coin Set ever created.
A never-to-be-repeated release with an official limited mintage of just one, the Trilogy combines three 2017 coins from our iconic Australian animal series. At one kilo apiece, the impressive releases are all large enough to fill the palm of your hand.
In the pursuit of perfection, up to 30 examples of each coin were struck before a process of scrupulous inspection and rejection resulted in three supreme choices (and the melting pot for those discarded).
With immaculate clarity and crispness, their appearance is instantly arresting. There’s a surprise, too – unprecedented combinations of metal and design mean the Australian Kookaburra is made from 9999 gold; the Australian Kangaroo from 9995 platinum; and the Australian Koala from a delightful shade of 22 carat rose gold.
Each masterpiece attains the truly spectacular with the inclusion of a carefully selected fancy coloured diamond within the design. Breathtakingly beautiful, these marvels of nature are so incredibly uncommon that less than a fistful see the light of day each year. The most valuable and sought after diamonds in the world, they’re exquisitely honed by the world’s most acclaimed cutters and polishers.
Respectively, Trilogy coins feature a round brilliant cut 0.47 carat Fancy Deep Purple-Pink; an emerald cut 0.46 carat Fancy Dark Gray-Violet; and an emerald cut 0.58 carat Fancy Intense Pink.
Even with the Mint’s extensive expertise, setting the stones was cause for significant nervousness. With much time and effort dedicated to producing coins with the highest quality finishes, it was alarming to think that one slip of a beading tool the whole project would be compromised.
The finest diamond setter, specially flown to Perth from Singapore, was entrusted to handset the fabulous gems. A collective intake of breath followed by an anxious wait was richly rewarded, however, when our expert craftsman completed the demanding procedure with immaculate precision.
The vision for The Australian Trilogy was the ultimate set of pink diamond adorned coins yet created. A shining example of what is achievable when creative, artistic and artisanal skills are united in the pursuit of perfection, we believe that as an unquestionable highlight of Australian precious collectables it has raised the bar once more.
With a recommended retail price of AUD 1.8 million, this electric trilogy is now sold out.
