2019-01-18 Fri

The Perth Mint released a new 1oz 99.99% pure Silver Proof coin to celebrate the Year of Pig. The coin belongs to “Australia 2019 Opal Lunar Series” and is legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965. The coins have a face value of 1 Australian Dollar and a mintage limit of 5,000 pieces. The 31.107 grams coin has a diameter of 36.60 millimetres and a thickness of 3.95 millimetres.

The reverse side depicts a symbolic design of a pig rendered in pure Australian Opal. The outer panel depicts a beautiful floral pattern with grapes and other designs. Inscriptions on the reverse side include the texts YEAR OF THE PIG, Chinese Character for ‘pig’, 2019 year-date, weight and fineness, and the Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark. The obverse side features an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II and denomination.

The reverse side is designed by Perth Mint artist Aleysha Howarth. A degree holder in Graphic Design from the Central TAFE School of Art and Design, Aleysha’s coin designs reflect her personal style and love for nature. She was appreciated for her colourised ballet coin series of 2011 and was the main designer of the Perth Mint’s Opal coin series. The reverse side is created by designer and engraver Jody Clark from Royal Mint. His portrait of Queen Elizabeth II became the fifth official portrait in 2015.

Image Courtesy: The Perth Mint