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The Australia $15 Tenth Ounce Gold BU 2016–2017 Quadratic World Map coin is a captivating and innovative bullion release that stands apart from traditional numismatic offerings. Struck by the Perth Mint, one of the world’s most respected producers of precious metal coinage, this coin forms part of a unique two-year program that celebrated cartographic art through a modern lens. The Quadratic World Map series aimed to fuse the elegance of pure gold with the scientific beauty of map projection—specifically the Quadrilateralized Spherical Cube, or “quadratic,” projection—offering collectors a visually compelling piece that also carries rich educational and artistic value. With its limited mintage, unusual design, and status as legal tender in Australia, the coin has earned recognition as both a numismatic curiosity and a high-quality investment in fine gold.
The Perth Mint has long been known for producing gold bullion coins of superior craftsmanship, with hallmark series such as the Australian Kangaroo and Lunar coins achieving global appeal. The Quadratic World Map issue followed this tradition of artistic excellence while venturing into more conceptual terrain. Issued with a face value of 15 Australian dollars, the coin is struck from 1/10 troy ounce of .9999 fine gold, adhering to the highest standards of purity. Its release spanned the years 2016 and 2017, with the same design maintained across the two years, contributing to its classification as a continuous thematic issue. As a BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) coin, it was carefully struck to preserve luster and detail without the mirror-polished fields of a proof strike.
The obverse of the Quadratic World Map coin features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, a standard portrait used across all Australian legal tender coins. Designed by Ian Rank-Broadley, this right-facing bust of the Queen is surrounded by inscriptions that include “ELIZABETH II,” “AUSTRALIA,” the denomination “15 DOLLARS,” and the issuing year “2016” or “2017.” The obverse fields are smooth and lightly reflective, providing a clean backdrop that enhances the relief of the portrait. In Brilliant Uncirculated condition, the fields remain unmarked, with sharp definition along the Queen’s diadem, facial features, and surrounding legends. This side of the coin, though conventional in style, grounds the release within the broader framework of Australian numismatics.
The reverse is where the coin’s innovation truly shines. Dominating the face is a full representation of the Earth, depicted using a Quadrilateralized Spherical Cube projection. This is a mathematical method of flattening a globe onto a square format, used in scientific modeling to avoid some of the distortions associated with Mercator or other common projections. The world’s continents appear in precise mathematical proportion, with all major landmasses rendered in fine, textured detail against a grid-like background. Surrounding the image are the inscriptions “1/10 OZ 9999 GOLD” and “QUADRATIC WORLD MAP.” The coin’s reverse design was developed in collaboration with scientific consultants to accurately reflect the cartographic principles behind the projection, resulting in a piece that combines numismatics with scientific art.
The concept of a square-based cartographic projection on a round coin is visually arresting. The world map, divided into six equal quadrants, creates a checkerboard pattern that resembles the face of a cube unwrapped into two dimensions. This geometrical foundation gives the coin a unique visual rhythm, balancing abstract structure with familiar geography. The oceanic regions are subtly mirrored, providing contrast against the matte finish of the continents. The intricate lines and sharp relief capture the technical complexity of the map, and in BU condition, the reverse glows with an even brilliance that enhances every engraved detail. This fusion of precision and artistry has made the coin particularly appealing to collectors interested in themes of exploration, science, and global unity.
Despite its small size—measuring just 16.6 millimeters in diameter—the coin packs immense visual complexity into its compact canvas. Striking such detail into a tenth-ounce gold planchet requires considerable skill, and the Perth Mint’s ability to achieve high relief without sacrificing clarity speaks to its technical prowess. The coin’s edge is reeded, adding a traditional touch and aiding in authenticity verification. When viewed under magnification, the clarity of the line work, especially in the curvature of the continents and the fine gridding of the projection, becomes even more impressive. Collectors have noted that the piece evokes a miniature scientific instrument as much as a commemorative coin.
The total mintage of the 2016–2017 Australia $15 Quadratic World Map tenth-ounce gold coin was strictly limited. While official mintage numbers for the combined two-year release are not widely publicized, it is known that production was capped, adding an element of scarcity that boosts its long-term collectible appeal. The coin was offered as a standalone bullion release, often sold encapsulated in protective acrylic capsules with optional presentation packaging available from certain distributors. It did not form part of a larger multi-coin series, which adds to its individuality within the modern bullion market. The niche nature of the coin ensures that it remains a standout piece among fractional gold issues.
In Brilliant Uncirculated condition, these coins show no signs of wear and maintain full original luster. The surfaces are clean and unmarred by contact marks, scratches, or toning. Mint luster remains intact across both obverse and reverse, and die lines are frequently visible under magnification, confirming the fresh state of the dies used for striking. BU examples have strong eye appeal, especially when tilted under light, as the intricate lines of the map and the mirrored grid catch reflections in an almost holographic manner. The Perth Mint's quality control ensures that even raw, uncertified pieces consistently meet a high visual standard.
Collectors and investors alike have been drawn to the Quadratic World Map coin for several reasons. Its innovative design sets it apart from more traditional fractional gold offerings, providing a conversation piece that also functions as a store of value. The blending of science, mathematics, and art into a single object is rare in modern numismatics, and the coin’s relatively low mintage adds a further element of desirability. It appeals not only to Australian coin collectors, but also to a global audience interested in geography, science, and precious metals. Its manageable price point compared to larger gold denominations has made it an accessible entry into premium numismatics.
The Australia $15 2016–2017 Tenth Ounce Gold BU Quadratic World Map coin remains a compelling testament to the Perth Mint’s ability to merge creative design with technical sophistication. Its representation of Earth through a rare map projection encapsulates themes of unity, global awareness, and the human pursuit of knowledge. As a collectible, it bridges the gap between bullion and numismatics, offering tangible gold content with a deeply intellectual and artistic overlay. In Brilliant Uncirculated condition, it retains all the visual appeal and minting excellence that make it a standout modern issue. For collectors seeking something truly different—something that inspires curiosity as much as admiration—this coin holds a special place in the pantheon of modern gold coinage.