The Perth Mint introduced the Platinum Koala Series in 1988 as part of its growing bullion lineup. As the first release, the series set the tone by highlighting Australia’s wildlife with designs that change each year—a concept that later appeared in well-known programs like the Silver Kookaburra and Silver Koala. Now, 1988 1 oz Australian Platinum Koala Coins are available online at BullionMax.

Coin Highlights:

• Coin arrives inside an individual protective capsule!
• 1st coin in the 1 oz Platinum Koala!
• Total mintage of 61,682 coins!
• Contains 1 troy oz of .9995 pure platinum.
• Issued a face value of $100 (AUD) by Australia.
• Obverse depicts Queen Elizabeth II.
• Reverse showcases a seated koala.

The obverse of the 1988 1 oz Platinum Koala Coin features the 1985 portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Raphael Maklouf. This third-generation effigy shows the Queen in right-profile relief wearing the George IV State Diadem, a widely used design on Commonwealth coinage of the period.

On the reverse of 1988 Australian Platinum Koalas, the debut artwork presents a koala in a seated pose. The simple layout places the animal at center, creating a clear view of its features within a clean, classic border.

Across Australia, many Aboriginal groups share stories about koalas that emphasize patience and care for the land. Some traditions include explanations for the koala’s limited need for drinking water and its long resting habits, connecting the animal to themes of conservation.

Modern Australia recognizes the koala as a familiar national symbol. You’ll see it often in tourism materials and conservation messaging, reflecting broad support for protecting native habitats and wildlife.

These 1988 1 oz Australian Platinum Koala Coins come from the first year of issue in the series, with each coin housed in a protective capsule. The inaugural release ranks among the higher mintages in the program, and 1988 also included fractional options of 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz platinum.

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