Australia's platinum Koala series, launched in 1987, was among the first government-issued platinum bullion programs in the world — arriving just after the Canadian Maple Leaf broke that ground in 1988 and competing directly with the Isle of Man's Noble. The Perth Mint positioned the fractional weights, including this 1/4 oz denomination, to capture investor demand that the heavier one-ounce pieces couldn't reach. By 2002, platinum was trading well above gold, briefly touching $600/oz that year before the automotive catalytic converter market drove it past $900 the following year.
Ian Rank-Broadley's effigy, adopted for Australian coinage in 1999, makes its appearance here in only its third year on the Koala series.
Australia's platinum Koala series, launched in 1987, was among the first government-issued platinum bullion programs in the world — arriving just after the Canadian Maple Leaf broke that ground in 1988 and competing directly with the Isle of Man's Noble. The Perth Mint positioned the fractional weights, including this 1/4 oz denomination, to capture investor demand that the heavier one-ounce pieces couldn't reach. By 2002, platinum was trading well above gold, briefly touching $600/oz that year before the automotive catalytic converter market drove it past $900 the following year.
Ian Rank-Broadley's effigy, adopted for Australian coinage in 1999, makes its appearance here in only its third year on the Koala series.