The Gold Kangaroo is Australia’s signature gold bullion coin series. Previously called the Gold Nugget, it became the Gold Kangaroo in 1990. For 2008, these 24-karat coins are available in 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, and 1/20 oz weights. Produced at the Perth Mint, the Gold Kangaroo is one of the Mint’s most highly collected coins. Their popularity is a result of their great artistry, with their crisp clear, high relief designs. The US, Canada, China, and Australia are the only countries with legal tender gold bullion coin programs. JM Bullion currently has the 2008 1 oz Australian Gold Kangaroo coin available for purchase.
Coin Highlights:
- Received in a protective plastic flip!
- Total of 63,429 sold in 2008!
- Contains 1 Troy oz of .9999 pure gold.
- Queen Elizabeth II is featured on the obverse.
- The Kangaroo is featured on the reverse.
- Bears a face value of $100 (AUD), backed by the Australian government.
- Includes a P mint mark from the Perth Mint.
The Perth Mint opened in 1899, where it was under the jurisdiction of Great Britain until 1970. At this time, it fell under the authority of the Government of Western Australia. The Gold Corporation Act of 1987 then gave the Mint a new direction. It became empowered to mint and market gold, silver, and platinum Australian legal tender coinage to collectors and investors worldwide. It was at this point that the Australian Gold Nugget Coin Series was launched.
The obverse of the 2008 Australian Gold Kangaroo coin features a profile of Queen Elizabeth II. This is the fourth effigy of Her Majesty, created by Ian Rank-Broadley and introduced in 1998. In regards to this effigy of the Queen, which depicts Her Majesty in a more realistic manner, Rank-Broadley said “There is no need to flatter her. She is a 70-year-old woman with poise and bearing.”
The reverse of the 2008 Australian Gold Kangaroo coin features a Kangaroo, with its joey, bounding through the grassland. In 1990, the Australian Gold Nugget became the Australian Gold Kangaroo, as the kangaroo is more globally recognized as a symbol of Australia. Each year the design of the kangaroo changes.
If you have any questions about these gold coins for sale, please contact our JM Bullion Customer Service team to get them answered. We can be reached via phone at 800-276-6508, via our online live chat, or via our email.