Reverse: The coin features a koala with its joey. The design also includes the inscription "Koala," the traditional "Perth Mint" mintmark, the "2023" date, as well as the platinum weight "1/10 oz." and purity ".9995."
Obverse: The obverse of the coin depicts Queen Elizabeth II adorned with jewels (Australia operates under a constitutional monarchy, whereby Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is also the Queen of Australia). Surrounding the Queen's portrait are the words "ELIZABETH II" and the country's name "AUSTRALIA," with the coin's denomination "15 DOLLAR" inscribed at the bottom. Below the Queen's portrait are the designer's initials "JC" (Jody Clark). To the left of the center, the letter "P" is struck, which is the mintmark of The Perth Mint in Australia.
About the coin: Since 2007, the Perth Mint has introduced "Koala" coin series. Each year, coins with a different depiction of this animal are released on the reverse of the coin. This year features a new portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Jody Clark. When early European settlers first encountered koalas in Australia, they thought the tree-climbing animals were monkeys or bears. Koalas possess unique physical features that facilitate their tree-dwelling lifestyle. They can grasp branches and select eucalyptus leaves; their tough skin and sharp claws provide grip while climbing. They have particularly dense and thick fur, allowing them to sit comfortably on branches for hours on end. These unique Australian animals serve as an excellent icon representing Australian fauna in the coin series.
