New coins promote native animals
Perth Mint has unveiled a set of commemorative coins depicting Australia's most famous native animals. Called the Dreaming Series, the platinum, gold and silver coins feature designs by Aboriginal artist Darryl Bellotti.
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The 45 designs feature Bellotti's illustrations of echidna kangaroo, dolphin, king brown snake and brolga and have legal tender values ranging from $50 down to $1.
"My main hope is that people who have never seen an animal like a brolga before might become interested in Australian animals," Bellotti said.
Perth Mint chief executive Ed Harbuz said the limited-edition coins would be of interest not only to Australians but to bullion collectors around the world, He said the coins, the latest in the Discover Australia series,
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highlighted the importance of Aboriginal culture.
Premier Colin Barnett, also speaking at the ceremony, said "collectors around the world will treasure these items".
The limited edition coins are available either singly or in sets of five, from the Perth Mint, Australia Post outlets and other coin dealers.
A further 15 animal designs are planned for release next year and 15 more in 2011.
~Michael Hopkin — The West Australian
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