2012 1 oz Australian Gold Kangaroo Coin

The 2012 Australian Gold Kangaroo coin obverse features a right-facing profile of Queen Elizabeth II. Created by Ian Rank-Broadley and introduced in 1998, this is the fourth effigy of Her Majesty. This design came from a design competition for the obverse of the golden wedding crown. The competition resulted in so many impressive designs that it was decided to use one of them on circulating coins as well.

The 2012 Australian Gold Kangaroo coin reverse features a Kangaroo, standing alone, with a windmill and a bush scene in the background. Having started as the Gold Nugget in 1987, the Perth Mint altered the reverse beginning in 1990 to show a kangaroo instead. The kangaroo was believed to be a more attractive, recognizable symbol of Australia. The kangaroo design changes each year.

Under the jurisdiction of Great Britain, the Perth Mint opened in 1899. It remained under their control until 1970, when it fell under the authority of the Government of Western Australia. The Gold Corporation Act of 1987 gave the Mint the power to mint and market gold, silver, and platinum Australian legal tender coinage to coin enthusiasts worldwide. The Australian Gold Nugget coin series was launched at this point.