Perth Mint – Australia. New 2026-Dated Gold Kangaroo Bullion Coins Include Special Anniversary Privy Mark

2026 marks the 40^th anniversary of the release of this very popular series which has undergone some changes since this gold bullion range was introduced. First launched in 1986 as the Australian Gold Nugget, the reverse side featured various or well-known gold nuggets found in Australia during the gold rush. The depiction of a kangaroo was introduced in 1989 with the Gold Nugget title still a part of the design but was later rebranded as the Australian Kangaroo to better represent Australia and the overall change in design. In 1989, a proof edition was added to the range and the design was changed to feature different kangaroos and in 1991, 2 ounce, 10 ounce and 1 kilogram sizes were introduced.

Kangaroos are large marsupials that have become a much beloved Australian icon and international ambassador. Found only on the Australian continent, they are identified by their long tail, strong back legs with large feet and long, pointed ears. Generally, kangaroos prefer grassy areas for food and water and are often spotted in open spaces of national parks or bushland reserves. However, they are a regular and famous sight at a few specific locations along the shore such as Lucky Bay in Western Australia, Pebbly Beach in New South Wales, and Cape Hillsborough in Queensland. These sighting are due to the fact their usual habitats are adjacent to the shore and the animals have become accustomed to human presence. In Cape Hillsborough for instance, wallabies and kangaroos consistently come down to the beach at sunrise and sunset to feed on seaweed and mangrove seed pods washed up by the tide.

Designed by Neil Hollis and for the anniversary theme, the coin’s reverse portrays two kangaroos leaping across water along the shore. The background features water ripples and splashes with a mountain landscape in the distance. A privy mark with the numeral 40 seen above the leaping kangaroo pays tribute to the 40th anniversary of the Australian Nugget, the first official Australian legal tender gold coin series. Along the upper right rim is the inscription KANGAROO together with the Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark seen just near the end of the kangaroo’s tail., The coin’s year of issue 2026, the metal, weight and purity is shown along the upper left rim. The obverse side features the effigy of HM King Charles III designed by Daniel Thorne along with the legend CHARLES III AUSTRALIA placed above the King’s likeness. The denomination 100 DOLLARS – 50 DOLLARS – 15 DOLLARS is placed just below the King’s likeness along the lower rim. As part of the coins’ overall security and integrity, each piece incorporates an authentication feature on the reverse in the form of a micro-laser engraved letter and is only detectable under a magnifying glass. 

Each coin and weight variation is encapsulated. For additional information, please visit the e-webshop of the Perth Mint or your closest bullion distributor. The Perth Mint also provides a list of partner distributors in different regions.