The 1 oz Australian Kangaroo Gold Coin is a popular bullion coin produced by the Perth Mint, Australia’s oldest and most prestigious operating mint.1 When a dealer offers a “Year Varies” or “Random Year” coin, it means you will receive a coin from their current inventory, and you cannot specify a particular year or kangaroo design.
Key Characteristics:
- Purity: The coin is made of .9999 fine gold (24 karat), which is a high-quality purity level for bullion.2
- Weight: It contains exactly 1 troy ounce of gold (31.103 grams).3
- Legal Tender: The coin is legal tender in Australia with a face value of $100 AUD, though its intrinsic gold value is significantly higher.4
- Annually Changing Design: One of the most unique features of the 1 oz Australian Kangaroo is that the kangaroo design on the reverse side of the coin changes every year.5 This adds an element of collectibility and numismatic value on top of its bullion value.6 The only exception is the 1-kilogram version of the coin, which features a consistent kangaroo design each year.7
- Obverse Design: The obverse (front) of the coin features the effigy of the reigning monarch.8 Coins minted before 2024 feature Queen Elizabeth II, while coins minted from 2024 onwards feature King Charles III.9
History of the Coin:
The Australian Gold Kangaroo coin series was first introduced in 1986 under the name “Australian Gold Nugget.”10 For the first few years, the reverse of the coin featured a design of a gold nugget, a nod to Australia’s history of gold rushes.11 In 1990, the Perth Mint changed the reverse design to a kangaroo, a symbol more widely recognized as representing Australia.12 This change significantly increased the coin’s popularity, and it has since become one of the most sought-after gold bullion coins in the world.13
Investment Considerations:
- IRA Eligibility: The 1 oz Australian Kangaroo is a government-issued coin from a recognized mint and meets the purity requirements set by the IRS, making it a popular choice for inclusion in a precious metals IRA.14
- Liquidity: These coins are globally recognized and have a strong reputation, ensuring they are highly liquid and easy to buy and sell through dealers and other investors.15
- Premium: The premium over the gold spot price for a “varied year” coin is often lower than for a specific, current-year coin, making it a cost-effective way to acquire physical gold.
