Perth Mint, 2021 Australia Nugget 35th Anniversary 1/4 oz Gold Proof Coin

Description

The Australian quarter-ounce gold piece (abbreviated as 1/4 oz and designated with Au for “gold”) is a bullion coin format. Uniquely, in Australia there are two mints authorised to strike legal tender: the Royal Australian Mint (which also makes the country’s circulating coinage) and the Perth Mint which only makes collector and bullion coins, as well as other bullion products.

Both mints endeavour to create coins with attractive designs, and to introduce new designs and themes often, in order to raise the numismatic value of the coins over the value of previous metal used.

The obverse of the coin depicts the crowned old head of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the Royal Diamond Diadem crown and the Victoria Coronation necklace worn for her Coronation. This is her effigy known as the “Fifth Portrait” worldwide and “Sixth Portrait” in Australia, in “uncouped” version – showing the Queen’s shoulders and not terminating at the neck as the normal version.  On the left, in small letters on the Queen’s shoulder, the artist’s initials J.C (for Jody Clark).  Running continuously around the rim is the monarch’s legend and the face value: ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA · 25 DOLLARS ·.

The reverse of the coin portrays the Golden Eagle Nugget on a background of radial lines. In tiny letters in the lowest part of the nugget, the initials of the designer of the original coin series: SD (for Stuart Devlin). The background of the central circle is selectively plated with 22-carat rose gold.  In the central circle below, the name of the nugget and the year of its discovery: GOLDEN EAGLE 1931. Above, the numeral 35, marking 35 years since the first edition of the “gold nugget” series.  Around left, the name of the series: THE AUSTRALIAN NUGGET. Around right, the precious metal content, 1/4 OZ. FINE GOLD (one quarter of a troy ounce of gold). Around below, the date of issue · 2021 ·.

The P mint mark of the Pert Mint is in the lower part of the central circle, above the date.