The Australian Kookaburra series is the longest-running silver bullion collection from the Perth Mint. Starting in 1990, this series helped establish the Mint’s annual coin programs that spotlight new reverse designs featuring iconic Australian wildlife. Today, BullionMax offers the 1997 1 oz Australian Silver Kookaburra Coin for collectors and investors.

Coin Highlights:

• Arrives in a protective plastic capsule!
• 8th date in the 1 oz Silver Kookaburra Series!
• Final mintage of 159,497 coins!
• Contains 1 Troy oz of .999 pure silver.
• Bears a face value of $1 (AUD) backed by the federal government of Australia.
• Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse.
• A kookaburra is shown with its young chick on the reverse.

Each 1997 1 oz Australian Silver Kookaburra Coin comes in a plastic capsule to keep it in great condition. While the Perth Mint allowed for a mintage of up to 300,000 coins, the actual number struck and sold ended at 159,497. This reflects the steady demand the series maintained in the late ’90s.

Kookaburras are known for their cooperative approach to raising chicks. Mated pairs often receive help from older offspring—these “helpers” postpone their own breeding to assist in feeding, guarding, and caring for the newest chicks. This type of teamwork helps the young birds thrive and gives the helpers valuable parenting practice.

The obverse of the 1997 Silver Kookaburra Coin presents Queen Elizabeth II in right-profile relief. This portrait, created by Raphael Maklouf in 1985, is the fourth official image of the Queen used on Australian coins. It shows her wearing the George IV State Diadem and was used until 1998, making this one of the last Kookaburra coins to feature the Maklouf design.

On the reverse of the coin, a kookaburra is depicted feeding its chick inside the nest. These birds often nest in tree hollows or termite mounds, where both parents take turns incubating the eggs. Once hatched, the whole family joins in to help feed the chicks with insects, small reptiles, and other food.

Have questions about buying silver coins? The BullionMax team is here to help! Call us at 800-729-3202, reach out using our web chat, or send us an email anytime.