Koala, among the most recognisable of Australia’s distinctive native animals, features on the Royal Australian Mint’s new gold and silver coins, minted exclusively for Emporium Hamburg for European investors and collectors. Koalas inhabit eastern and southern Australian coastal regions, living mostly on eucalyptus leaves. Disease and loss of habitat has reduced 
populations and Koalas are now classed as vulnerable.

When Europeans first settled in Australia, they marveled at the unusual native animals, among them were Koalas; which they incorrectly described as a bear. Koalas were of course well known to indigenous peoples who hunted them for food. Hunting for skins for export in the 19th and early 20th centuries led to a population decline, prompting perhaps Australia’s first large-scale environmental response. Once ranked as a least concern species, Koalas are now classed as vulnerable and are fully protected under Australian environmental law.

An elegant Rough Toothed Dolphin is depicted on the Royal Australian Mint’s new Silver High Relief Proof and Gold Investment Coins which show the creature, mouth open to show off its unusual teeth, against a background of the sun on the horizon.