Kookaburra 1 oz silver coin

The Australian Kookaburra has been struck by the Perth Mint since 1990. Its particularity is that the design changes every year: each issue shows the kookaburra, the bird known for its laughing call, in a different pose.

Bullion and collection at once

Because each year is different, some buyers collect Kookaburras by date. For most buyers, though, it is a bullion coin like any other: one troy ounce of fine silver, priced on the silver market plus a premium.

Older years

A recent Kookaburra is not a rare coin, and it is priced on its silver. Some early years, however, are sought after by collectors and can trade above the value of their metal.

Before buying

Check the year shown on the retailer’s listing if you collect by date; otherwise the year is usually the dealer’s choice, depending on stock.