Gold series coin to help Australia's rare and endangered birds
29th November 2005
Australia's rare and endangered birds, and particularly the Malleefowl, will benefit from a joint venture between The Taronga Foundation and the Royal Australian Mint to help raise funds that will be used to help the survival of these unique birds.
Starting in December this year part of the sale price of each coin from the Royal Australian Mint's Malleefowl gold coins will go The Taronga Foundation.
"The Royal Australian Mint is extremely pleased that we can assist the plight of the Malleefowl by working with Taronga Zoo. As Australia's national mint we aim to theme a range of our collector coins with specific aspects of Australian life that has significant national importance. Our Rare and Endangered Birds Gold Series helps draw attention to the issues surrounding the survival of these birds. We hope that the future of these animals will be secured and that generations of Australians will be able to enjoy the real items and not just a beautiful reproduction on a gold coin," said Dr Vivienne Thom, Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Australian Mint.
The Mint's annual gold coin release also provides collectors with an opportunity to add dimension, theme and design to their collections. The inclusion of an endangered Australian bird theme will help raise the profile of the plight of the Malleefowl and assist in educating Australians to help preserve our endangered wildlife.
The coins' design is from the Mint's designer, Wojciech Pietranik. The distinctive Malleefowl is portrayed in profile. The design includes a reminder of the bird's natural scrubland habitat.
The Rare Birds Gold Series Coins is now available with just 2,500 of each coin to be minted.
Pricing:
Face value $150 1/3 troy oz pure gold (99.99%) - Retail price: $450
Face value $200 ½ oz pure gold (99.99%) - Retail price: $650