World gold · Storage guide
Best storage options for the Australian Kangaroo
The Perth Mint's Gold Kangaroo (and the earlier Gold Nugget) is struck in several sizes, with a changing reverse design each year. The 1 oz coin is around 32 mm and the tenth ounce around 16 mm. The 1/2 oz Koala, 1/2 oz Gold Nugget (Series II) and 1/2 oz Kangaroo are 30.6 mm and take the T30.6 direct fit, while the 1/10 oz Koala, 1/10 oz Gold Nugget and tenth ounce Kangaroo take the A16. Match the capsule to the fraction you own.
1 oz Gold Kangaroo (32 mm)
1/2 oz Gold Kangaroo, 1/2 oz Koala and 1/2 oz Gold Nugget, Series II (30.6 mm)
1/10 oz Gold Kangaroo, 1/10 oz Koala and 1/10 oz Gold Nugget (16 mm)
Australian Kangaroo specifications, designs and mintages
Every figure links to its source. Primary sources are mint publications and Freedom of Information responses. Secondary sources are Wikipedia, catalogues and dealers, used only where no primary figure is published. Where sources disagree we show both.
Designs
| Year | Design | Designer | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 to 1989 | Welcome Stranger nugget | — | [1] |
| 1990 | Red Kangaroo | — | [1] |
| 1991 | Grey Kangaroo | — | [1] |
| 1992 | Common Wallaroo | — | [1] |
| 1993 | Nailtail Wallaby | — | [1] |
| 1994 | Whiptail Wallaby | — | [1] |
| 1995 onwards | Kangaroo | — | [1] |
Key facts and key dates
- The 1987 fractional coins featured named nuggets: Hand of Faith on the ½oz, Golden Eagle on the ¼oz and Little Hero on the 1/10oz. [1]
- The lowest declared 1oz mintages are 2001 (31,206) and 2002 (44,168), years that most price guides overlook. [1]
- Since 2022 the 1oz coin has an unlimited mintage; the Perth Mint declares the final figure after production closes each year. [1][2]
- The 2024 coin carries a P125 mintmark, and the obverse shows Dan Thorne's effigy of King Charles III. [3]
- The 2026 coin carries a 40 privy mark. [4]
1oz gold Nugget and Kangaroo
| Year | Maximum mintage | Declared mintage | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Unlimited | 131,264 | [1] |
| 1988 | Unlimited | 128,461 | [1] |
| 1989 | Unlimited | 189,321 | [1] |
| 1990 | 300,000 | Sold out | [1] |
| 1991 | 250,000 | 130,522 | [1] |
| 1992 | 250,000 | 111,922 | [1] |
| 1993 | 300,000 | Sold out | [1] |
| 1994 | 350,000 | 135,876 | [1] |
| 1995 | 350,000 | 165,015 | [1] |
| 1996 | 350,000 | 286,737 | [1] |
| 1997 | 350,000 | 231,013 | [1] |
| 1998 | 350,000 | 143,623 | [1] |
| 1999 | 350,000 | 127,051 | [1] |
| 2000 | 350,000 | 65,556 | [1] |
| 2001 | 350,000 | 31,206 | [1] |
| 2002 | 350,000 | 44,168 | [1] |
| 2003 | 350,000 | 46,554 | [1] |
| 2004 | 350,000 | 61,278 | [1] |
| 2005 | 350,000 | 68,428 | [1] |
| 2006 | 350,000 | 49,991 | [1] |
| 2022 | Unlimited | 682,539 | [1] |
Download this data as a spreadsheet: australian-kangaroo.csv
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What size capsule fits the Australian Kangaroo?
The Australian Kangaroo comes in these sizes and matching capsules: 1 oz Gold Kangaroo (32 mm); 1/2 oz Gold Kangaroo, 1/2 oz Koala and 1/2 oz Gold Nugget, Series II (30.6 mm); 1/10 oz Gold Kangaroo, 1/10 oz Koala and 1/10 oz Gold Nugget (16 mm). Match the capsule’s inside diameter to your coin.
What is the best way to store a Australian Kangaroo?
The annually changing Kangaroo design makes individual years collectable, so a capsule that preserves the reverse is well worth it. A PVC-free acrylic capsule, either direct fit or black ring, protects the coin from handling, dust and air.
Want the story behind this coin? Read the full history of the Australian Kangaroo.
Still measuring up? Try the capsule finder to match your coin in a couple of clicks, browse the coin size guide by diameter, or filter the full capsule range by size and holder type. Buy 20 of any capsule and a matching storage tube is added free.
Browse more guides on the storage guides index.