2002 $1 Silver Kangaroo coin features design by Western Australian Aboriginal painter
22nd November 2001
A specially commissioned design by WA painter, Mark Nodea, is featured on the 2002 Silver Kangaroo coin just released by the Royal Australian Mint, our national Mint.
The collector coin is the tenth in the series of Silver Kangaroo $1 coins released since 1993 and is the second one to depict a Kangaroo in an Aboriginal format.
Mark Nodea is based in Warmun (Turkey Creek) south-west of Kununurra in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, and his paintings reflect the traditions of the Gija indigenous people.
The Silver Kangaroo coin is a tribute to one of Australia's best known animals - admired and celebrated for its handsome features, grace, speed, and uniqueness.
The 40mm coin is made from fine silver, and is available in two versions, proof and frosted uncirculated. The proof version is encapsulated and packaged in a presentation case with a certificate of authenticity and outer box. The frosted uncirculated coin is encapsulated and presented in a coin holder card.
The coins are now available from the Royal Australian Mint on 1300 652 020, coin dealers, The Perth Mint shop. The price for the proof coin in its presentation case is $48.00 and $21.67 for the frosted uncirculated coin in its holder.
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2002 $1 Silver Kangaroo Coin - High resolution 2268x2268 pixel JPG |
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Backgrounder
Information about Mark Nodea
Mark is a young Gija man from the eastern Kimberley region. Gija is the main aboriginal language spoken in this part of the Kimberley. Mark's family lives in the small aboriginal community of Warmun (Turkey Creek), located two hours south-west of Kununurra, towards Halls Creek.
Mark's mother Nancy Nodea was commissioned to paint a series of designs, that are now located on the petrol bowsers of the Turkey Creek Roadhouse. This petrol station is the main fueling point for travelers between Kununurra and Broome. The rest area is also the main point of departure to the Bungle Bungles (Purnululu).
Mark is obviously deeply influenced by his natural surrounds and the stories that have passed onto him by his mother and other old people in the community. Mark's painting reflect both the nearness of the Bungle Bungles, the red earthy colours of the Kimberley and the strong traditions that are kept alive in the Warmun community through oral retellings, corroboree and painting.
Mark is 31 years old, he is also an active member of 'Norforce', the Australian Defence Forces northern monitoring troops and he paints in his spare time.