Discover the Perth Mint’s Kookaburra Silver Coin Series
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.9999 fine silver coins issued annually since 1990 by the Perth Mint
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New Kookaburra design every year – beloved by collectors worldwide
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Available in 1 oz, 10 oz, and 1 kilo sizes; all legal tender
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Limited mintage (500,000 for 1 oz) adds rarity and value
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Advanced security features + special anniversary editions (e.g., P125 in 2024)
The Australian Silver Kookaburra Series is among the most popular and collectible silver coin lines. First released by the world-famous Perth Mint, the series is loved for its stunning artwork and limited mintage.
The yearly design change makes them stand out: every edition features a new image of the kookaburra, Australia’s iconic laughing bird.
The Perth Mint: A Legacy of Excellence
The Perth Mint has a long and respected history in the world of precious metals. Originally established in 1899 as a branch of Great Britain’s Royal Mint, it’s now owned by the Government of Western Australia. It plays a significant role in delivering Australia’s legal tender coins, working with the Royal Australian Mint.
While it began with refining gold sovereigns and half-sovereigns, the Perth Mint has evolved into one of the most trusted names in gold and silver. Today, it’s known worldwide for crafting high-quality coins, bars, and medals that appeal to investors and collectors.
The Australian Silver Kookaburra Coin Series
First launched in 1990, the Silver Kookaburra quickly became a best-selling series.
The Silver Kookaburra premiered in the same year the Gold Nugget was rebranded into the Gold Kangaroo, and it stood out as one of the first major bullion coins to highlight native Australian wildlife.
And what better symbol than the kookaburra? Known for its iconic laugh-like call, this unique bird is native to Australia and makes a bold statement on each occasion.
The series began with a one-ounce coin, but it didn’t take long to grow. By 1992, it had 2 oz, 10 oz, and 1 kilo options.
The 2 Troy oz option was eventually retired in 2010, but the other three sizes are still released annually.
This series is exciting for collectors because the kookaburra design changes every year. Mintage is also limited. Since 2011, only 500,000 of the 1 Troy oz coins have been delivered each year. That rarity, combined with the yearly artwork and metal content, keeps demand high and interest strong from fans worldwide. That rarity, combined with the yearly artwork and metal content, keeps demand high and interest strong from fans worldwide.
Specifications and Physical Characteristics
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Struck from .9999 fine silver;
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Available in 1 oz, 10 oz, and 1 kilogram sizes - (2 oz coins were issued until 2010);
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Bullion and Proof coins;
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Hold legal tender status with face values backed by the Australian Government;
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Produced by the Australian Perth Mint;
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Obverse: Features the effigy of the British monarch, representing Australia’s Commonwealth ties;
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Reverse: Showcases a new kookaburra design every year, highlighting the bird’s iconic laugh and unique character;
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Designed with serrated (reeded) edges;
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Include micro-laser engraved security features: a tiny letter visible only under magnification;
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Feature the Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mint mark;
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Some editions include privy marks celebrating anniversaries or special themes.
Design Elements
Each Kookaburra Silver Coin blends artistry and symbolism, showcasing Australia’s rich heritage. Both sides feature thoughtfully crafted designs that evolve with each new release.
The Obverse
Throughout most of the series' trajectory, the obverse has featured a portrait of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, symbolizing Australia’s status within the British Commonwealth.
Designs from a small group of renowned artists portrayed the Queen. From 1990 to 1998, the effigy was created by Raphael Maklouf, with a special edition in 1992 by John Bergdahl.
From 1999 until 2023, the widely recognized portrait by Ian Rank-Broadley was used.
In 2024, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, a new effigy of His Majesty King Charles III was featured to introduce the new reigning monarch. This left-profile design, crafted by Dan Thorne, marks a new chapter in the series’ visual history.
The Reverse
The reverse is where the artistry truly shines. Every year, a brand-new design is unveiled showcasing the kookaburra in a different scene, often highlighting the bird’s natural habitat.
These annual updates make the series one of the most dynamic and collectible in the numismatic world.
Along with the featured image, it includes key inscriptions providing relevant information about the coin, as well as a small “P” mint mark, ensuring authenticity.
Collectibility Factors
Limited Mintage
The Australian Silver Kookaburra is one of the longest-running and most popular silver bullion coins in the world. Since its debut in 1990, the 1 oz coin has had strict mintage limits, which have contributed to its collectibility.
From 1990 to 2010, the maximum annual mintage was capped at 300,000 units. The first two issues, in 1990 and 1991, sold out quickly. After several years without sellouts, it sold out every year from 2008 through 2010.
In 2011, the mintage cap for the 1 oz Silver Kookaburra was set at 500,000 units per year.
While demand remained strong and sellouts continued through 2016, sales figures have declined in recent years.
This combination of limited production, fluctuating sales, and smaller special edition releases makes the Kookaburra series highly sought-after. Because these coins are legal tender in Australia, only a limited number reach international markets, which adds to their rarity and appeal for collectors and investors worldwide.
Special Editions
The 125th Anniversary of the Perth Mint in 2024
In 2024, the Perth Mint celebrated its 125th anniversary with a special mark on all samples produced that year, including the beloved Kookaburra series. This unique mark, “P125,” is added to the reverse design to honor this milestone.
As part of the celebration, a limited-edition 1 oz Silver 125th Anniversary Coin was released with a shared reverse design showcasing three of Australia’s most famous collections: the Koala, the Kookaburra, and the Kangaroo. Only 150,000 of these special silver coins were delivered, each made of 99.99% pure silver and proudly bearing the exclusive “P125” mint mark.
The 35th Anniversary of the Kookaburra Series in 2025
The following year, 2025, marks the 35th anniversary of the iconic Australian Kookaburra Program. To commemorate this, the 2025 edition features a stunning incused design of a majestic kookaburra perched on a tree branch.
A special privy mark pays tribute to the original Kookaburra design with radiant sunburst lines. It also includes the inscription “KOOKABURRA 35th ANNIVERSARY,” along with the coin’s main information, the 2025 date, and the Perth Mint’s signature “P” mint mark.
FAQs
What makes Kookaburra coins different from other silver bullion coins?
Silver Kookaburras stand out with a unique kookaburra bird design, making every release a collector’s favorite. Their limited annual mintage boosts rarity and value, while their high purity level (99.99% pure since 2018) appeals to those interested in precious metals. As official Australian legal tender, they offer authenticity beyond just metal content, combining beauty, rarity, and investment potential.
Are Silver Kookaburra coins legal tender?
Silver Kookaburra coins are official legal tender in Australia. They have an imprinted monetary denomination and are fully backed by the government. While their face value is symbolic, their true worth comes from their precious metal content and collectible, annually changing designs, making them both legal currency and sought-after investment options.
Do Silver Kookaburra coins increase in value over time?
Silver Kookaburra coins can increase in value over time, especially those with limited mintages or unique annual designs. The Perth Mint’s policy of changing the design each year and restricting the total number of units produced creates scarcity. This makes certain editions highly sought after by collectors, often resulting in their value appreciating beyond the silver content alone.
How does the Kookaburra design change each year?
The Silver Kookaburra displays a new design featuring the bird in different poses and natural settings. These unique, detailed depictions, each year, capture various aspects of the bird’s habitat and behavior, making every annual release distinct. This ongoing design change adds collectible value and keeps the series fresh and exciting for investors and collectors alike.
Are Silver Kookaburra coins proof or bullion?
Silver Kookaburras are primarily bullion coins, but they are also released in limited proof versions with enhanced finishes. The difference between them is in the dies used in the manufacturing. Proof versions need special dies to feature sharper details and mirror-like backgrounds, and are usually crafted in smaller quantities for collectors.
Can I include Silver Kookaburras in a Precious Metals IRA?
Yes, Australian Silver Kookaburras qualify for Precious Metals IRAs. Since they are crafted with .9999 pure metal content, they meet IRS standards. They are backed by the government and offer investment and collectible appeal. Including Silver Kookaburras in your IRA helps diversify your portfolio, hedge against inflation, and secure retirement savings with trusted, high-quality silver bullion.
What’s the difference between Silver Kookaburras, Silver Eagles, and Silver Maples?
Unlike other bullion coins, Silver Kookaburras (Australia) feature annually changing kookaburra designs and limited mintages. Silver Eagles (USA) show a classic “Walking Liberty” design, crafted in large quantities and highly liquid. Silver Maples (Canada) display the iconic maple leaf with consistent design and high purity. Each appeals to collectors and investors with unique designs, origins, and legal tender status in their countries.
What years are especially valuable for Silver Kookaburra collectors?
Early Silver Kookaburras from the 1990s, especially the inaugural 1990 release, have higher collectible value due to lower mintages and historic significance. Other valuable years include 1993–1999 for limited production and 2015, which reused the 1990 design to mark the 25th anniversary. Special editions like the Perth Mint’s 125th Anniversary (2024) and the Kookaburra’s 35th Anniversary (2025) also attract strong collector interest.
What is the mintage limit for Silver Kookaburra coins?
Since around 2013, the 1 oz Australian Silver Kookaburra coin has had a mintage limit of 500,000 per year. While the Perth Mint also makes 10 oz and 1 kilogram versions, these larger samples typically don’t have set mintage limits. The one-ounce coin is highly collectible due to its annual design changes and .9999 pure silver content.
How are Silver Kookaburra coins packaged for shipping?
All SD Bullion orders are fully insured during shipping, protecting against loss or damage. Purchases over a certain price qualify for free shipping and insurance, while smaller orders have a flat lower fee. Packages are shipped via USPS, UPS, or FedEx and may require a signature upon delivery. SD Bullion ensures all orders arrive safely at their destination.
Can I sell my Kookaburra coins back to SD Bullion?
Yes. SD Bullion offers a buyback servicewith three easy-to-follow steps. Our team is constantly buying bullion to update our inventory. You can reach out to our representatives at 1-800-294-8732.