Buy Australian Kangaroo Gold Coins
Known for producing some of the world’s finest bullion coins, the Perth Mint’s Australian Gold Kangaroo coins are among its most iconic offerings. Alongside favorites like the Australian Kookaburra, Koala, and Lunar Series, these gold kangaroos are celebrated for their 99.99% pure gold, trusted reputation, and exceptional craftsmanship.
What sets the Gold Kangaroo coin apart is its design, which changes annually. Each year introduces a depiction, offering a fresh take on Australia’s most famous marsupial — the kangaroo — while preserving the coin’s consistent purity, legal tender status, and investment value.
Highlights
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Crafted in .9999 pure gold and backed by the Australian government;
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Features an annual rotating kangaroo design;
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Produced by the world-renowned Perth Mint;
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Available in multiple weights and sizes, from fractional coins to 1 kilogram;
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Legal tender with guaranteed weight, purity, and face value;
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Highly liquid and globally recognized;
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Packaged with MintID technology for secure authentication;
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Delivered in brilliant uncirculated condition with fully insured delivery.
The Origins: From Australian Gold Nugget to Gold Kangaroo
When the Perth Mint introduced the series in 1986, it was launched as the Australian Gold Nugget, showcasing images of natural gold nuggets. This initial aesthetics honored Australia’s rich gold-mining history and heritage.
In 1989, the series transitioned to a more iconic Australian Gold Kangaroo design. The kangaroo coin quickly became a symbol of Australia, strengthening its identity while maintaining the tradition of bullion gold coins. Since then, every year has brought a new design, keeping collectors and investors eager to buy the latest releases.
The Australian Perth Mint
Established in 1899 during Australia’s gold rush, the Perth Mint originally operated as a branch of Britain’s Royal Mint. Its primary mission was to refine gold and produce coins that fueled the growing economy.
Today, the mint is owned by the Government of Western Australia and continues to craft Australia’s official bullion coins, including the Australian Gold Kangaroo. With more than a century of experience, the Perth Mint guarantees quality, security, and authenticity, making its products some of the most trusted gold coins in the world.
The Design
The kangaroo is one of Australia’s most recognizable native animals and a central symbol of the Australian Kangaroo Series. Belonging to the Macropodidae — meaning “big foot” — family, kangaroos are the largest marsupials on Earth. They are found only in Australia, where they roam deserts, forests, and plains.
While often thought of as a single species, there are four major types: red kangaroo, eastern grey, western grey, and antilopine.
The red kangaroo is the most iconic, often depicted as a national emblem, appearing on currency, the coat of arms, and the logos of institutions like Qantas Airlines and the Royal Australian Air Force.
The Reverse
A key attraction of gold kangaroos is the ever-changing reverse. The design, unveiled each year, showcases the kangaroo in its natural habitat — hopping, resting, or bounding across rugged landscapes. This rotating design tradition keeps each sample visually distinct, adding collectible appeal for investors and collectors alike.
The Obverse
The obverse reflects Australia’s connection to the Commonwealth. From 1986 to 1998, samples featured Raphael Maklouf’s portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, followed by Ian Rank-Broadley’s rendition from 1999 through 2017.
In 2018, the series adopted Jody Clark’s final depiction of Queen Elizabeth II, which remained in place until 2023.
A major milestone came in 2024, when the Mint transitioned to Dan Thorne’s portrait of King Charles III — marking the first gold kangaroo to feature the new monarch.
Technical Specs and Key Features
Australian Gold Kangaroo coins are official currencies, backed by the government for weight, purity, and face value. Each coin’s market value is determined by gold spot price, rarity, and the Perth Mint’s reputation, making them a top-tier choice for investors and collectors alike.
With artistic craftsmanship, government-backed security, and exceptional fineness, these coins are perfect for portfolio diversification, wealth protection, or adding to a collection.
Weight and Size Variations
Available Sizes
Produced in .9999 pure gold, the Australian Gold Kangaroo coin is available in a range of weights, from fractional sizes to large-format 1 oz Australian and 1 kilogram editions.
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Weight |
Face value |
Frequency |
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1/20 oz |
AUD 5 |
regular strike |
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1/10 oz |
AUD 10 |
regular strike |
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1/4 oz |
AUD 25 |
regular strike |
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1/2 oz |
AUD 50 |
regular strike |
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1 oz |
AUD 100 |
regular strike |
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2 oz |
AUD 200 |
occasionally released |
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5 oz |
AUD 500 |
occasionally released |
|
10 oz |
AUD 1,000 |
occasionally released |
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1 kg (32.15 oz) |
AUD 3,000 |
occasionally released |
Security Features and Authentication
The Australian Gold Kangaroo is one of the most secure gold coins in the world. Modern releases feature MintID technology, including a tamper-proof card with a 128-bit encrypted NFC microchip.
Scanning the chip via the free MintID app provides a digital certificate confirming authenticity. If tampered with, the chip deactivates automatically — all without requiring personal information or financial data.
Remarkable Releases
The Perth Mint has issued several standout Australian Gold Kangaroo coins, making them highly sought-after by collectors worldwide.
The 40th Anniversary (2026)
To celebrate the series' 40th anniversary, the mint released a special privy mark showcasing a bold “40” and a stylized kangaroo.
The Perth Mint’s 125th Anniversary (2024)
In 2024, the Perth Mint commemorated its 125th anniversary with limited Gold Kangaroo coins engraved with a subtle “P125” privy mark, honoring over a century of minting excellence.
Why Buy Australian Gold Kangaroo Coins?
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Produced by the Perth Mint, renowned for quality and global recognition;
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Made of .9999 pure gold;
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Delivers a new design each year, adding collectible and investment appeal;
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Highly liquid bullion coins with strong demand;
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Available in multiple weights, from fractional sizes to 1 oz and larger;
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Combines artistic craftsmanship with intrinsic value;
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Ideal for building a portfolio, protecting wealth, or starting a collection.
Ready to Add Gold Kangaroos to Your Portfolio?
Shop the full selection of Australian Gold Kangaroo coins at SD Bullion today and enjoy secure, fully insured delivery, authentic precious metals, and a chance to add one of Australia’s most iconic gold coins to your assets.
FAQs
Do Australian Gold Kangaroo coins change design every year?
The Gold Australian Kangaroo delivers a different design each year, highlighting the animal in unique poses and natural settings. This tradition keeps each release visually distinct and exciting for collectors. Despite changing illustrations, all Gold Kangaroo coins maintain .9999 pure gold, high craftsmanship, and government-backed authenticity, ensuring that every coin is beautiful and a trusted acquisition.
Are Gold Kangaroos legal tender in Australia?
All Gold Australian Kangaroo coins are official currencies, with face values set according to the coin’s weight. Issued by the Perth Mint, they carry a monetary denomination backed by the Australian government. However, their market value is based on their metal content, often exceeding the assigned face value, making them a reliable asset worldwide.
What sizes are available for Gold Kangaroo coins?
The collection comprises 1/10 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz, and 1 oz sizes, all crafted from .9999 pure gold. The Perth Mint has also released larger samples in 2 oz, 5 oz, 10 oz, and 1 kilogram (32.15 oz) formats. This variety allows investors and collectors to choose weights that suit their demands, budget, or display preferences.
What’s the difference between Gold Kangaroo coins, American Gold Eagles, and Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coins?
Gold Kangaroos are Australian bullion coins known for annual different designs and .9999 pure gold. American Gold Eagles have .9167 gold content and portray Lady Liberty, while Canadian Gold Maple Leafs are also .9999 pure gold with a maple leaf motif. Each reflects its country’s minting standards and culture, offering a choice between artistry, fineness, and global recognition in the numismatic market.
Are Gold Kangaroo coins IRA-eligible in the United States?
Yes, they are eligible for inclusion in U.S. self-directed IRAs, provided they meet the IRS minimum purity requirement of 99.5%. Most coins are issued in brilliant uncirculated condition, making them ideal for retirement funds. This IRA eligibility allows them to add high-quality, government-backed gold coins to their long-term investment strategy with confidence.
Why do some Australian Gold Kangaroo coins say "Nugget" on them?
The Gold Kangaroo coin was originally released as the Australian Gold Nugget in 1986, featuring images of famous gold nuggets on the reverse. In 1989, the series changed to the kangaroo design, but the “Nugget” name remained in use. Today, both names are used interchangeably, reflecting the coin’s rich history, evolution, and continuing popularity in the numismatic world.
What kind of security features do Gold Kangaroo coins have?
Modern editions include advanced security measures, such as a micro-laser-engraved letter on the reverse, visible under magnification. Each sample bears the Perth Mint’s “P” mint mark, is crafted in .9999 fine gold, and is typically encapsulated for protection. Many units come in MintID tamper-proof packaging, ensuring authenticity, secure delivery, and peace of mind for investors and collectors alike.
Can I travel internationally with Gold Kangaroo coins?
Yes, you can travel internationally with them, but regulations vary by country. For example, entering the U.S. requires declaring coins to Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Other countries may impose import duties or require reporting. It is recommended to research local rules before travel. Bullion coins like these are globally recognized but must always comply with customs regulations.
Do Gold Kangaroos have numismatic or collector value?
Beyond their metal content, Gold Kangaroo coins have numismatic value due to their annually changing depictions and limited releases. Each year, collectors can enjoy a unique reverse portrayal, making them highly desirable. This combination of beauty, rarity, and metal content enhances their market appeal, ensuring they hold investment and collector value for long-term strategies.
Can I sell my Gold Kangaroo coins back to SD Bullion?
SD Bullion offers a simple buyback program. The process is easy and secure: contact our team, receive a quote, and ship your coins. We consistently buy bullion gold coins to maintain inventory and offer competitive market prices. Our friendly team is available to assist with any questions, ensuring that selling your Gold Kangaroo coins is convenient and trustworthy.
How are Gold Kangaroo coins packaged for delivery?
All SD Bullion orders are fully insured during shipping, protecting your bullion coins against loss or damage. Purchases over specific amounts may qualify for free shipping and insurance, while smaller orders incur a flat fee. Orders ship via USPS, UPS, or FedEx and may require a signature. SD Bullion ensures your Gold Kangaroo coins arrive safely, in brilliant uncirculated condition.