The Premier of Western Australia, the Honourable Mark McGowan MLA, unveiled a $1.8 million one-of-a-kind coin collection crafted by The Perth Mint this week.
Honourable Mark McGowan MLA holding The Australian Trilogy
The Australian Trilogy celebrates a selection of the nation’s natural treasures and is the Mint’s most significant numismatic release for 2017.
In a convergence of colour and light, the breathtaking collection showcases three of Australia’s most beloved fauna on three precious metal one kilo coins. Each coin is hand set with a natural fancy coloured diamond from Rio Tinto’s Argyle Diamond Mine.
Officiating at the event, the Premier said that the creation of such an exceptional collector’s item reinforces Australia’s position on the world stage as a country of rare riches and unique wildlife.
“The Perth Mint and Rio Tinto Argyle Diamonds are global leaders in their respective industries and purveyors of superb craftsmanship. I am proud to unveil a creation which captures the treasures of our State,” said Premier McGowan.
The Australian Kookaburra coin, crafted from 99.99% pure gold, depicts two kookaburras perched on a wooden fence gazing toward a 0.47 carat round brilliant cut Fancy Deep Purple-Pink diamond.
Crafted from 99.95% pure platinum, the Australian Kangaroo coin portrays this iconic animal bounding across an outback plain over a 0.46 carat emerald cut Fancy Dark Gray-Violet diamond.
To complete the trilogy, the 91.67% rose gold Australian Koala coin illustrates this native marsupial beneath a eucalyptus tree in a rural landscape beside a 0.58 carat emerald cut Fancy Intense Pink diamond.
The artistry on each coin is bordered by a title inscription, the 2017 year-date, the weight, fineness and metal and The Perth Mint’s traditional ‘P’ mintmark.
Confirming its status as official legal tender of Australia, each release also displays the renowned Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on its obverse.
The Perth Mint’s association with Argyle Pink Diamonds began in 2008 when it became a Select AtelierTM for the Western Australian based diamond consortium. In 2012 this retail relationship developed into a collaborative partnership with the creation of an annual range of luxurious collectables.
Since then, these diamond edition ingots and coins have received worldwide acclaim. While many issues sold out within weeks of their release, the iconic 2016 Kimberley Treasure coin valued at $1 million sold to an international buyer within just 48 hours.
“The Australian Trilogy has elevated our creations to a new level with three diamond studded gold and platinum coins in one dazzling presentation,” said Perth Mint Chief Executive Officer, Richard Hayes.
“Collectables of this class are often reserved for private viewing only, but we will display The Australian Trilogy in our retail shop on Hay Street for the remainder of June to give the people of Western Australia and the many visitors to our State the opportunity to view this prized treasure,” Mr Hayes continued.
The Australian Trilogy is also now available for sale. Interested parties are able to acquire further details by calling +61 8 9421 7376. Only one of The Australian Trilogy 2017 1 Kilogram Collection will ever be released by The Perth Mint.