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The Australia $5 1/25 oz. Gold Koala 2008 PF70 NGC is a remarkable numismatic specimen that combines exquisite artistry with the delicate charm of fractional gold coinage. Issued by the Perth Mint, this coin is part of the popular Koala series that began in 2007 and quickly captured the interest of collectors and investors worldwide. The 2008 issue marked the second year of the series and included various denominations and sizes, among them the 1/25 oz. format. This smallest gold Koala offering is a fine showcase of the Perth Mint’s ability to deliver intricate design, ultra-high precision, and appealing subject matter in an extremely compact and accessible form.
The Perth Mint is globally recognized for producing some of the highest quality coins in the modern era, and its Koala series is no exception. Introduced as a follow-up to the successful Kangaroo and Kookaburra series, the Koala program was created to offer a new take on Australia’s iconic wildlife. The koala, a marsupial native to Australia, is beloved both locally and abroad, making it a fitting ambassador for the country’s coinage. Unlike bullion issues, the proof versions such as the 1/25 oz. gold Koala are produced in limited quantities and with great attention to finish and detail, appealing to collectors who appreciate precision and rarity.
The obverse of the coin features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Ian Rank-Broadley. This portrait, used on Australian coinage from 1998 onward, portrays the Queen in right-facing profile, wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara. Surrounding the portrait are the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II,” “AUSTRALIA,” and the face value of “5 DOLLARS.” The obverse design is consistent with other coins from the Perth Mint and lends a sense of authority and legitimacy as legal tender within the Commonwealth of Australia.
The reverse of the coin displays an intricately rendered image of a koala nestled in the branches of a eucalyptus tree, a serene and detailed representation that captures the animal’s gentle nature and natural habitat. The koala clings to the forked branch with one arm while gazing outward, with textured fur and leaves that offer an impressive level of relief and contrast despite the coin’s small size. The inscriptions include “KOALA,” “2008,” “1/25 OZ 9999 GOLD,” and the Perth Mint’s “P” mintmark. The proof quality brings out the sharp detail of the frosted device against a deeply mirrored background, highlighting every nuance of the design.
The 2008 1/25 oz. Gold Koala was struck from .9999 fine gold, the highest standard of purity used by the Perth Mint. With a weight of just 1.244 grams, the coin delivers gold value in a format that is both collectible and more accessible in terms of cost. Fractional gold coins are highly prized among both beginner collectors and seasoned numismatists, as they offer a lower entry point while maintaining all the artistry and quality of larger denominations. The small size also enhances the craftsmanship required to render such a detailed design within tight physical confines.
This particular coin was graded PF70 Ultra Cameo by NGC, the highest possible grade for a proof coin. PF70 signifies a perfect coin, flawless under 5x magnification, while Ultra Cameo (or UCAM) indicates deeply frosted devices and highly reflective mirrored fields. This sharp contrast is one of the most desirable features of modern proof coinage and elevates the visual impact of the koala design significantly. A PF70 coin is the pinnacle of condition, making it especially desirable for collectors seeking only the best in their collections.
The mintage for the 1/25 oz. 2008 Gold Koala proof coin was extremely limited. Only a few thousand examples were produced, making it one of the scarcer issues in the Koala series. Low mintage coins like this tend to appreciate in value over time, especially when paired with a perfect grade from a leading certification service like NGC. The scarcity of this coin enhances its appeal not only as a collectible but also as a strategic asset in a diversified numismatic portfolio.
Fractional gold proof coins like this one serve multiple roles within the collecting community. They are often favored by collectors looking to complete sets across years or denominations, by investors who wish to hold small, high-quality quantities of gold, and by gift-givers who see such coins as meaningful keepsakes. The 1/25 oz. format is especially attractive for those who appreciate miniature art and detail, as it offers a high level of intricacy on a modest canvas. This aspect of the coin underscores the technical excellence of the Perth Mint’s minting process.
The coin originally came housed in a stylish black presentation case with an outer shipper and a numbered certificate of authenticity from the Perth Mint. While third-party graded examples such as this one are typically removed from their original packaging for encapsulation, the NGC holder provides long-term protection and documentation of grade, further supporting the coin’s long-term preservation and marketability. Collectors who retain both the certified coin and its original mint packaging often see enhanced interest from buyers down the line.
With its charming design, exceptional strike, and pristine PF70 grade, the 2008 Australia $5 1/25 oz. Gold Koala represents an ideal entry point for collectors of gold coins, proof issues, or Australian wildlife themes. It offers an elegant combination of beauty, purity, and rarity at a fraction of the cost of larger gold coins, all while retaining the prestige of Perth Mint craftsmanship and the assurance of NGC certification. As the Koala series continues to attract collectors from around the globe, early issues such as the 2008 release—especially in the perfect PF70 grade—will likely remain highly desirable and cherished numismatic treasures.