The Perth Mint introduced the Platinum Koala Series in 1988. This collection helped set the trend of showcasing native Australian wildlife with designs that change each year. The Platinum Koala was the first series to use this approach and paved the way for other programs like the Silver Kookaburra and Silver Koala. Right now, 1997 1 oz Australian Platinum Koala Coins are available at BullionMax.

Coin Highlights:

• Arrives in a protective plastic capsule!
• 10th release of the 1 oz Platinum Koala!
• Final mintage of 41,153 coins!
• Contains 1 troy oz of .9995 pure platinum.
• Bears a face value of $100 (AUD) backed by the federal government of Australia.
• The obverse features Queen Elizabeth II.
• On the reverse is a koala clinging to the branch of a gum tree.

Each 1997 1 oz Australian Platinum Koala Coin comes in a protective plastic capsule. The 1997 issue of the 1 oz Platinum Koala had a mintage cap of 100,000 coins, and Perth Mint reported total sales of 41,153 coins. The 1997 lineup was broad, offering 1 kilo, 10 oz, 2 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, and 1/20 oz coins alongside the 1 oz platinum coin.

Koalas live in eucalyptus forests and woodlands along Australia’s eastern and southeastern coasts, from Queensland through New South Wales and Victoria to South Australia. These marsupials rely on specific eucalyptus species for both food and shelter, with local populations adapting to prefer certain varieties among the 600+ known eucalyptus species.

The obverse of 1997 Australian Platinum Koalas features Queen Elizabeth II in right-profile relief. This is the 1985 effigy by Raphael Maklouf, the third official portrait of Her Majesty, showing the Queen wearing the George IV State Diadem.

On the reverse of 1997 1 oz Platinum Koala Coins, you’ll see a koala clinging to the branch of a gum tree. Koala habitat needs are specialized—they depend on connected tree corridors for movement, suitable soils that support the right eucalyptus growth, and climate conditions that sustain their preferred food trees.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. BullionMax customer service is available at 800-729-3202, online, and via email.