Perth Mint celebrates WA selfie icon in pure silver
The Perth Mint joins Western Australians alike to celebrate the birthday of the quokka with the release of a new limited-edition bullion coin.
Unveiled today by the Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Paul Papalia MLA, the quokka coin is an ideal keepsake of the calendar of activities hosted throughout September on Rottnest Island and as a memento of a visit to the State.
Crafted from 1oz of 99.99% pure silver, the latest release in the Mint’s investment coin range features the much-loved marsupial, which became a social media sensation after appearing alongside celebrities Chris Hemsworth and Margot Robbie, and tennis legend Roger Federer, in candid selfies captured during their visits to the Island.
Often pictured smiling, the friendly quokka has earned itself the online reputation for being ‘the world’s happiest animal’.
A small type of wallaby, quokkas are found mainly in the south west region of Western Australia. They live in scattered populations among forest and coastal heath between Perth and Albany, and on the Bald Island, with the greatest number of the marsupial inhabiting Rottnest.
A Western Australian icon, the quokka has been the star of holiday snaps, selfies, tourism campaigns and is now the model for an Australian coin said Perth Mint General Manager Minted Products Neil Vance.
“Visitors to the Mint and many of our customers have asked for a coin featuring the much-loved quokka so we are delighted to bring this release to market and help to promote one of our unique and native attractions,” Mr Vance said.
The coin portrays a quokka on a beach with a lighthouse in the background. Standing on its hind legs, the marsupial is eating its preferred diet of leaves. The design includes the inscription QUOKKA, The Perth Mint’s classic ‘P’ mintmark, and to further enhance the authenticity of the coin, a discreet security feature in the form of a micro-laser engraved letter has been added.
Issued as official Australian legal tender, the obverse of the coin depicts the Jody Clark effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the weight and fineness of the coin, and the monetary denomination.
Individually presented in an acrylic capsule, The Perth Mint will release no more than 30,000 of the Quokka 2020 1oz Silver Bullion Coin for sale worldwide.
Investors, collectors and gift buyers can purchase this limited edition bullion coin at The Perth Mint shop located at 310 Hay Street, East Perth, on toll free 1800 098 817 (Australia) or visit perthmint.com
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