The Australian Silver Kangaroo Coin
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.9999 fine silver, 1 Troy oz: One of the purest sovereign bullion coins on the market, carrying a face value of AUD 1 and full legal‑tender status.
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Perth Mint issue (since 2016): Backed by the Government of Australia; celebrated a special “P125” anniversary mark on 2024 strikes.
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Iconic designs: Classic leaping kangaroo reverse; obverse portraits progressed from Queen Elizabeth II (2016 – 2023) to King Charles III in 2024.
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Built‑in security: Micro‑laser‑engraved “A” inside “Australian” deters counterfeiting.
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Investor friendly: Low premiums, global liquidity, and IRA‑eligible in the U.S.
Among the world’s most popular silver bullion options, the 1 oz Silver Kangaroo stands out for its exceptional 99.99% pure content.
The Perth Mint first introduced it in 2016, and it has quickly earned a top spot among global investors and collectors.
Despite sharing the name, it’s a different series from the Royal Australian Mint’s Silver Kangaroo samples, which were first released in 1993.
History and Development
While the 1 oz Silver Kangaroo bullion coin officially launched in 2016, the Perth Mint began issuing collectible Kangaroo-themed options as early as 2010.
Each year, they release proof and bullion, often with limited mintages. These restricted strikes, combined with the high purity level and backing by a prestigious company, give it strong appeal in the numismatic world.
The Australian Perth Mint
Established in 1899 as a branch of the United Kingdom’s Royal Mint, the Perth Mint is owned by the Government of Western Australia.
It was created to support bullion production across the Commonwealth during Australia’s gold rush, focusing on refining gold and producing sovereign coins that boosted the national economy.
Today, it is Australia’s official producer of sovereign precious metal coins and the last remaining Royal Mint branch in the country after the Sydney and Melbourne refineries closed. It is also widely recognized for its popular Lunar Series, Koala, and Kookaburra Series.
Design Elements & Design Variations Over Time
Although the kangaroo isn’t Australia’s official symbol, it has long been associated with the country because it’s native only to that region. Its unique hopping movement and status as the largest marsupial make it a distinctive and iconic motif.
The bullion coins showcase a classic depiction of a hopping kangaroo inspired by Stuart Devlin’s Australian Copper Penny design, framed inside a peaked circle. Unlike bullion editions, proof ones offer a fresh, unique design with each yearly edition.
The two forms, bullion and proof, include engravings noting the coin’s name, weight, purity, and metal content.
The original obverse design, used from 2016 to 2018, portrayed Queen Elizabeth II wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara, created by the artist Ian Rank-Broadley.
In 2019, the design was updated with a new effigy by Jody Clark, depicting Queen Elizabeth II wearing the George IV State Diadem; it remained in use until 2023.
All designs include the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II,” the nation's name, and the coin’s monetary denomination.
The obverse was updated again after Queen Elizabeth II’s passing in 2022.
For the first time in 2024, the series features the effigy of King Charles III, designed by Dan Thorne. His left-profile bust appears along with the inscriptions “CHARLES III, “the nation's name, and denomination.
Also in 2024, celebrating the Perth Mint’s 125th anniversary, special commemorative Silver Kangaroo editions were released. These limited editions bear a discreet “P125” engraving marking this milestone for one of Australia’s most famous series.
Technical Specifications & Security Features
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Made of .9999 fine (99.99%) pure silver;
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Carries a face value and legal tender status guaranteed by Australia;
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Officially issued by the trusted Perth Mint;
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Includes advanced anti-counterfeiting measure: a micro-engraved laser “A;”
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The tiny “A” is hidden inside the “A” of “Australian” on the reverse side, visible only under magnification.
FAQs
What years are Silver Kangaroos available in?
The Silver Kangaroo coin was launched in 2016, and it’s been released annually ever since. You can find samples from every year starting in 2016, each containing 1 oz of 99.99% pure silver. While the design stays the same for bullion versions, proof editions offer different designs yearly. Also, proof samples can be found in varied size options, designs, and colorized options.
Are Silver Kangaroos legal tender in Australia?
Yes, the Silver Kangaroo is an official currency with a face value of AUD 1. Issued by the Perth Mint and backed by the Australian government, it can technically be used in everyday transactions. However, its real value lies in its 99.99% pure silver content, making it far more valuable as bullion than as a circulating currency.
What’s the difference between the Silver Kangaroo, American Silver Eagle, and Canadian Maple Leaf?
All three are top-tier silver bullion coins, but with key differences. The Silver Kangaroo (Australia) has 99.99% purity and a low premium. The American Silver Eagle (USA) has 99.9% purity and strong global recognition. The Canadian Maple Leaf (Canada) also has 99.99% purity and advanced security features. Each is government-backed, making them trusted options for sovereign silver coins.
Do Silver Kangaroo coins change design each year?
The Silver Kangaroo bullion coin keeps the same reverse design, showcasing the classic leaping kangaroo. However, the proof versions are different. The Perth Mint releases new, artistic designs for the collection each year. So, while the bullion stays steady, the proof ones bring fresh designs for those who love variety.
Are Silver Kangaroo coins eligible for a Precious Metals IRA?
Silver Kangaroo coins are IRA-eligible. Made with 99.99% pure silver, they meet IRS requirements for Precious Metals IRAs. When bought through an approved dealer, they can be held in a self-directed IRA, offering security and potential long-term growth. Diversifying your retirement portfolio with trusted, government-backed silver bullion may be interesting.
Do Silver Kangaroo coins hold their value well over time?
Silver Kangaroo coins hold value well thanks to their 99.99% pure silver content, global recognition, and trusted production by the Perth Mint. They're easy to trade, highly sought after by investors and collectors, and backed by Australia’s government. Their strong demand and high-quality minting make them a reliable option for anyone looking to invest in physical silver.
Are there collectible or proof versions of the Silver Kangaroo?
Silver Kangaroos may be an interesting option for those seeking a unique addition to their silver collection. Alongside the popular bullion version, the Perth Mint also releases collectible proof Silver Kangaroos. These feature stunning, high-relief designs that change yearly. First launched in 2016, the bullion coin keeps the same design each year, while proof coins stand out for their artistry and limited mintage.
Do fractional or larger sizes of the Silver Kangaroo exist?
Kangaroo silver bullion coins are available containing 1 Troy oz of silver. However, the Perth Mint crafts Proof Silver Kangaroo in varied sizes, like the 2 Troy oz and 5 Troy oz size options, and finishes. For example, you may find these design variations, with a colored reverse design and high relief.
Can I sell my Silver Kangaroo coins back to SD Bullion?
Yes. SD Bullion offers a buyback service with 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.
Are Silver Kangaroos shipped securely and discreetly?
All SD Bullion orders are fully insured during shipping, protecting against loss or damage. Orders over a certain value 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.