2017 1 oz Australia Perth Mint Koala with Rooster Privy .9999 Silver Coin – First Lunar Koala Privy, Limited Mintage of 25,000

Celebrate the fusion of Australian wildlife and Chinese Lunar heritage with the 2017 1 oz Silver Koala with Rooster Privy, a truly distinctive release from the world-renowned Perth Mint. Struck from .9999 fine silver and carrying a limited worldwide mintage of only 25,000 coins, this coin marks the first-ever Koala to feature a Lunar privy mark, making it a landmark addition to both the Koala and Lunar Series programs.

Beloved globally for its charming depictions of Australia’s iconic marsupial, the Koala series is now enhanced with a collectible twist through the addition of a Year of the Rooster Lunar privy mark. This special edition is not just another bullion coin — it’s a symbol of innovation, numismatic tradition, and cross-cultural celebration.

Coin Highlights:

• Contains 1 troy oz of .9999 fine silver
• Extremely limited mintage of just 25,000 coins worldwide
• Obverse: Displays the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, along with the legal tender face value and the issuing country
• Reverse: Features a charming depiction of a koala at the base of a eucalyptus tree, complete with intricate detailing and natural textures. To the right of the design is the small but distinct Lunar Rooster privy mark, signifying the 2017 Year of the Rooster, along with the coin’s weight, purity, year-date, and the Perth Mint's “P” mint mark
• Legal tender of Australia with a denomination of 1 AUD
• Each coin is encapsulated in a protective plastic capsule. Multiples of 20 ship in sealed mint rolls; multiples of 100 arrive in cardboard mint boxes containing 5 rolls

The Start of a New Tradition: Lunar Privy Koalas

The 2017 Rooster Privy Koala is the first release in a new Lunar Koala Privy program, anticipated to follow in the footsteps of the highly successful Lunar Privy Kookaburra series, which began in 2012. That program — which started with the Dragon Privy — has grown into one of Perth Mint's most collected silver coin lines, with every release experiencing consistent demand and increasing scarcity in the secondary market.

By introducing the Rooster Lunar mark to the Koala design, the Perth Mint has set the stage for another perennial favorite. With only 25,000 coins minted globally, this inaugural edition will likely become a cornerstone piece in the expanding Lunar Koala lineage.

The Beloved Koala Series

Launched in 2007, the Australian Koala Silver Bullion series is known for its annual design changes, ultra-fine silver purity, and charming depictions of one of Australia’s most beloved marsupials. Much like the Kookaburra and Kangaroo coins, Koalas have earned a solid following for their aesthetic appeal, craftsmanship, and collectibility.

Struck with mirror-like fields and matte design elements, the Koala series is equally appealing to both investors and collectors. Its design consistently showcases the koala in natural, tree-filled settings — creating both a wildlife portrait and a piece of numismatic art.

A Tribute to an Endearing Australian Icon

Despite being mistakenly called “koala bears,” koalas are marsupials, more closely related to wombats and kangaroos than bears. Their unique adaptations — including two opposable thumbs, sharp claws for climbing, and thick fur that lets them comfortably rest in trees — make them fascinating creatures and the perfect subject for coinage.

Koalas symbolize tranquility, resilience, and the spirit of the Australian wilderness. Featuring them on bullion coins not only highlights their beauty but also raises global awareness about the conservation of their habitats.

The Significance of the Rooster Privy Mark

The Rooster is the tenth animal in the Chinese Lunar Zodiac, representing confidence, precision, and alertness. Those born under this sign are known for being observant, courageous, and hardworking. Adding a Rooster privy to a popular series like the Koala brings extra meaning and cross-cultural resonance — attracting collectors from both the Lunar Series and traditional silver bullion markets.

The small, rooster-shaped privy mark also introduces an additional layer of exclusivity to the already-limited Koala coin, appealing to both casual and serious collectors alike.

About the Perth Mint

Established in 1899 and owned by the Government of Western Australia, the Perth Mint is among the most trusted names in the global bullion market. Known for producing coins of exceptional purity, artistry, and collectibility, Perth Mint continues to lead the way in both traditional and modern coin programs — including the Lunar Series, Kookaburra, Koala, Kangaroo, and countless commemorative releases.

Every coin from the Perth Mint is government-backed and guaranteed for weight and purity, providing peace of mind to buyers around the world.