Australian Platinum Koalas

The First Proof Issue of the Koala dated 1988 was a major success. The mintage was limited to 12,000 half ounce coins and was sold out by July. As is traditional with proof coins, the proof Koalas had a depiction of a koala on the reverse identical to that on the mass-produced bullion coin, but with the table of the coin highly-polished to a mirror-like finish and relief areas delicately frosted.

Coin Collectors love the Koalas for a number of reasons:

 It was the first proof issue of Australia's first platinum coin series;

 The mintage was strictly limited worldwide;

 It would be the first in a series in which the designs would change annually;

 It was legal tender under the Australian Currency Act;

 It was minted from 99.95% pure platinum. No other platinum proof or bullion coins exceeded this fineness;

 It carried the now sought-after 'P' mintmark of the Perth Mint on the reverse of each coin, and

 Its authenticity was guaranteed by a serial-numbered silver medallion issued with each coin.

In addition, each coin was accompanied by a definitive handbook, providing a host of fascinating information about the issue and its provenance. Proof issues of the Koala have been issued annually since 1988 and all have been eagerly sought by international collectors

The Koala Platinum Coin Series and Designers
1988 - Michael Tracey	1989 - Michael Tracey
1990 - James Brown	1991 - James Brown
1992 - Jane McAdam-Freud	1993 - Milena Milan
1994 - Louise Pinder	1995 - Milena Milan
1996 - Louise Pinder	1997 - Jovan Radanovich
1998 - Miranda Cornell	Obverse