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Inventory:
21 In Stock
- Product ID: 41773
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| Metal/Chg | Bid | Ask |
|---|---|---|
| Updated: 05/01/25 06:41:02 | ||
Silver
-0.44
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$32.11 | $32.40 |
The 2021 2 oz Silver Australian Piedfort Platypus coin is a distinctive and finely struck release from the Perth Mint, celebrating one of Australia’s most iconic and enigmatic native animals—the platypus. Composed of .9999 fine silver and struck in a double-thickness piedfort format, this coin offers both collectors and investors a unique opportunity to own a substantial silver piece that merges high metal purity with exceptional design. Issued as part of the Perth Mint’s commitment to showcasing Australian wildlife in precious metal form, the piedfort platypus coin embodies numismatic innovation and artistic excellence.
The obverse of the coin features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Jody Clark. This regal portrait, used on Australian coinage since 2019, presents the Queen in right-facing profile wearing the George IV State Diadem. The inscriptions encircling the effigy include “ELIZABETH II,” “AUSTRALIA,” the year of issue “2021,” and the denomination “2 DOLLARS.” The broad, raised rim of the piedfort format enhances the prominence of these inscriptions and frames the Queen’s portrait with a sense of depth and grandeur befitting the coin’s weight and format.
The reverse showcases a beautifully detailed depiction of a platypus gliding underwater, surrounded by swirling currents and bubbles that emphasize the animal’s movement and aquatic environment. The platypus is rendered in fine detail, highlighting its distinctive bill, webbed feet, and textured fur. The design captures both the uniqueness and elegance of this egg-laying mammal, a creature that has fascinated scientists and naturalists since its discovery. The inscriptions include “AUSTRALIAN PLATYPUS” along the top, and “2oz 9999 SILVER” at the bottom, accompanied by the iconic “P” mintmark denoting the Perth Mint’s production.
This coin is struck in .9999 fine silver—among the highest purity standards in the precious metals industry—and contains a full two troy ounces (62.2 grams) of silver. What sets the piedfort version apart is its thickness: it is struck on a planchet that is approximately twice as thick as a standard coin of the same diameter. While its diameter remains a standard 40.9 millimeters, its increased depth provides an enhanced canvas for high-relief detail and lends the coin a solid, weighty feel in hand. Piedfort coins, historically struck for presentation and special editions, are prized for their heft and visual depth, and the 2021 Platypus issue is no exception.
The Perth Mint applied brilliant uncirculated (BU) or prooflike striking techniques to this release, ensuring a high degree of detail, crispness in relief, and attractive surface finish. The coin’s frosted and polished contrast brings out the full depth of the platypus design, making it stand out clearly against the smooth, mirrored background. The coin has a reeded edge and is presented in a clear protective capsule to safeguard its finish and detail during handling and storage.
While not part of an ongoing series, the 2021 2 oz Silver Piedfort Platypus coin stands out as a limited-production issue, designed for collectors who appreciate low-mintage specialty strikes and Australia's unique wildlife. The Perth Mint is known for its precise mintage controls, and though the total number struck for this issue was modest compared to bullion coins like the Silver Kangaroo or Kookaburra, exact mintage figures can vary depending on packaging and sales channel. Coins offered in capsule-only formats, or as part of boxed sets with certificates of authenticity, are highly desirable due to their scarcity and presentation quality.
In terms of condition, most surviving examples of this coin are in pristine Brilliant Uncirculated or near-Proof condition. The Perth Mint’s advanced quality control and meticulous production processes ensure that these coins leave the mint with minimal imperfections. Examples submitted for third-party grading often achieve MS69 or MS70 grades due to their flawless surfaces, strike clarity, and lack of handling marks. Collectors and investors who acquire the coin directly from mint-authorized distributors usually receive it with the original packaging intact, preserving its value and aesthetic appeal.
The platypus is a fitting subject for this innovative coin format. As one of only five extant monotremes in the world—mammals that lay eggs—it holds a unique place in the animal kingdom and in Australia’s natural heritage. The platypus is found only in eastern Australia and Tasmania, and its distinctive appearance and evolutionary significance have made it a national symbol. By honoring the platypus with a piedfort silver coin, the Perth Mint continues its tradition of highlighting native species through modern numismatic artistry.
This coin appeals to a broad audience, including collectors of Australian wildlife coins, piedfort-format enthusiasts, and those seeking premium silver bullion with added numismatic value. Its limited mintage, high purity, and visual impact also make it a suitable addition to portfolios that blend investment and aesthetic considerations. For those building thematic collections based on native fauna or world mints’ specialty issues, the 2021 Platypus piedfort stands out as an especially compelling piece.
The 2021 2 oz Silver Australian Piedfort Platypus coin encapsulates the Perth Mint’s mastery of silver coin production and its dedication to celebrating Australia’s wildlife. With its heavy, double-thick format, .9999 fine silver content, and limited availability, it is both a showpiece and a store of lasting value. Whether displayed, stored, or certified, it remains a memorable and meaningful addition to any modern numismatic or precious metal collection.