2013 Red-Tailed Black-Cockatoo Silver Coin Begins Birds of Australia Series

The Perth Mint of Australia released the first of five issues of its new Birds of Australia Series. The 1/2 ounce 2013 Red-Tailed Black-Cockatoo Silver Proof Coin has a limited mintage of 10,000 worldwide.

On the reverse of the silver coin is a colorized Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo perched on a struck wooden log among other vegetation. It was designed by Natasha Muhl. Beside the artwork is The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mint mark and above the image reads the inscription, "RED-TAILED BLACK-COCKATOO."

Birds of Australia Series coins feature an obverse of Ian Rank-Broadley’s effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Inscriptions include, "ELIZABETH II," "AUSTRALIA," "1/2 OZ 999 SILVER," "2013" and "50 CENTS."

Known for their raucous noises, Red-Tailed Black-Cockatoos live throughout Australia and are easily recognized by the female’s banded orange/red tails and the male’s tail with striking red panels. Australians typically observe large flocks in the morning or right before dusk.

Future issues in the new Birds of Australia Series will showcase the Budgerigar, Regent Bowerbird, Rainbow Lorikeet, and Splendid Fairy-wren. These chosen feathered creatures will attract both bird lovers and coin collectors to the new silver coin program.

Composed of 99.9% pure silver, each coin comes in proof quality. Its diameter and thickness are 36.60 mm and 2.30 mm respectively. The Perth Mint encapsulates the silver coin and ships it with a numbered certificate of authenticity in a black presentation case. The outer box also reflects a colorized illustration of the bird theme.

Available directly from The Perth Mint website, the 2013 Red-Tailed Black-Cockatoo Silver Proof Coin lists for AUS $59. Prices are subject to change daily based on the silver market.

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About the Perth Mint

The Royal Mint of England established the Perth Mint (www.perthmint.com.au) as a branch facility in 1899 to refine and strike gold recovered from nearby deposits. Ownership was transferred to the State Government of Western Australia in 1970. Today the Perth is responsible for the Australian Federal Government’s Gold and Silver Bullion Coin Program in addition to striking some of the most unique numismatic coins in the world.