The Australian Koala: The Secret Superstar of the World’s Wildlife in Silver
by Sebastian Wieschowski
The Koala, often affectionately called the "Eucalyptus Bear," is one of Australia's most well-known and beloved animals—though technically not a bear, but a marsupial. This little detail doesn't diminish the popularity of this nocturnal creature, which leads a lifestyle that many people might envy for its sheer relaxation: Koalas spend up to 20 hours a day sleeping in eucalyptus trees and feed almost exclusively on their leaves. Despite their calm and peaceful appearance, koalas can produce surprisingly loud noises to defend their territory.
Alongside the kangaroo, the koala has become a famous ambassador for Australian wildlife over the past few decades. It features on one of the world's most sought-after bullion coins: the Australian Koala Silver Bullion Coin, first minted in 2007 by the renowned Perth Mint. This coin was inspired by the overwhelming success of the Kookaburra Silver Coins, which have been captivating collectors and investors worldwide since 1990. In 2007, long before the introduction of the Kangaroo Silver Coins, the Perth Mint set another milestone in the investment world with the Koala.
The decision to feature the iconic koala on the new bullion coin was no accident. The koala symbolizes Australia and embodies the unique flora and fauna of the continent. Each coin tells its own story and showcases the diversity of this fascinating animal in its natural habitat. These annually changing designs make the Koala Coin a coveted collector's item, distinguishing it from other bullion coins that often bear an unchanging motif. Interesting for collectors are the different design cycles used since 2007—for instance, between 2011 and 2021, the koala appeared within a recurring frame with the inscription "Australian Koala" in thin letters in a circle; since 2022, the series name appears in a new, flowing design on the coins.
A standout feature of the Australian Koala Silver Coin is its limited mintage. The cap of 300,000 pieces ensures not only increased exclusivity but also sustainable value growth—especially since the legally set maximum amount has not been reached in recent years; between 2018 and 2021, the mintage ranged from only 150,000 to 220,000 pieces. For investors and collectors, this means each issue is a rarity and can potentially appreciate in value over the years. This limitation, combined with high demand, makes the coin a prized investment.
The Perth Mint is renowned for its precision and exceptional minting quality. The Australian Koala Silver Coin is minted in two sizes, with the 1-ounce version being particularly popular, alongside a 1-kilo variant. Each coin is made with a fine silver content of 99.99%. The detailed minting and mirror-like finish reflect the world-class quality of the Perth Mint.
The Australian Koala Silver Coin is not only a collector's item but also a practical investment instrument. Silver has been a reliable store of value for centuries and offers a safe haven in times of economic uncertainty. The Koala Coin, with its high silver content and limited mintage, combines these investment advantages with artistic and cultural value.
Sebastian Wieschowski has been collecting coins since childhood and, after working as a journalist with a focus on finance and economy, has switched his focus on coins and precious since 2012. He is the author of several self-published books on Bullion Coins, Panda Coins, Fake Coins and Coin Grading and works for numismatic magazines. He is also a recurring expert on the German television program Münzengalerie (Coin Gallery), the longest running numismatic television show in the world. You can find out more about his work at coinosseur.com
