You can’t buy happiness – but you can collect coins! Make sure you take advantage of an exciting opportunity to own 24 remarkable $1 commemorative coins from the Royal Australian Mint and The Perth Mint with Downies Collectable’s latest offering, the Australian $1 Non-Circulating Commemorative Coin Collection.

Always a hit with collectors, Australian legal tender $1 commemorative coins represent the best that modern-day numismatics has to offer. Consistently eye-catching, these value-for-money coins encompass a wide variety of Australian historical themes, personalities & wildlife.

Low-mintage ‘must-haves’…

The Australian $1 Non-Circulating Commemorative Coin Collection is particularly notable for the inclusion of some extremely low-mintage issues - for the same regular monthly series price! Better yet, every coin in this collection is being offered in spectacular ‘as struck’ Uncirculated condition, gorgeously packaged in an illustrated presentation card! Examples of low-mintage issues include:

2019 $1 AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP: In 2019, The Perth Mint recognised the important role that immigration plays in Australian society with a stunning tribute to Australia’s newest citizens. This fantastic $1 coin boasts a tiny mintage of only 5,000!

2018 $1 SIR JOHN MONASH: In 2019, the Royal Australian Mint honoured Sir John Monash, one of the greatest allied generals of WWI and Australia’s most famous military commander, with a rare 7,500 commemorative $1 coins only.

All the thrill – without the hunt

Many months have been spent assembling limited numbers of this astounding presentation of commemorative coins. Heaven-sent for those wanting to start, or enhance, a $1 commemorative coin collection with a bang! Skip the hassle of spending hours searching for these treasures one at a time. Downies Collectables has done the hard work for you! The result is a one-of-a-kind collection that spans a decade (2011-2021). Easy to assemble, delivered straight to your door at the convenient rate of two coins per month, at a price you can afford. Heads or tails you win!

The numismatic adventure is off to a sensational start thanks to a fantastic introductory offer… Get your first two coins, struck by The Perth Mint, for just $30, plus FREE SHIPPING! Your first pair of $1 coins will include the 2014 $1 A.B ‘Banjo’ Patterson coin, celebrating the renowned Aussie poet, balladeer and author of ‘Waltzing Matilda’ and the iconic 2013 $1 Australian Wombat coin!

Desirable $1 coins included:

2012 $1 SIR DOUGLAS MAWSON: The Royal Australian Mint’s 2012 $1 commemorative coin honoured Sir Douglas Mawson - explorer, adventurer and one of the first men to reach the South Magnetic Pole.

2013 $1 AUSTRALIAN ECHIDNA: An endearing 2013 tribute to Australia’s one-of-a-kind monotreme, the Echidna. A popular issue of The Perth Mint’s Australian Bush Babies Series.

2019 $1 CENTENARY OF FIRST FLIGHT: Struck by The Perth Mint in 2019 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of Captain Ross Smith’s historic first flight from Hounslow, England to Darwin, Australia.

2018 $1 AUSTRALIA’S CONVICT ERA: In 2018, on the 150th anniversary of the last convicts transported to Australia, the Royal Australian Mint commemorated an important part of our history.

Very limited stock of the Australian $1 Non-Circulating Commemorative Coin Collection means you must sign up now to secure this offer and join the ranks of the elite few who are proud owners of these sought-after coins!

Happy New Year! Yesterday was the first day of the Lunar New Year, and everyone here at Downies hopes you have a prosperous and happy Year of the Snake!

The Snake is the 6th animal in the Lunar Zodiac, exemplified by traits such as awareness, cunning, pride and decisiveness. People born in the Year of the Snake (especially with this year’s element, Water), are said to be insightful and influential, and can make great financial decisions. This affinity with money makes this Lunar Zodiac sign a particularly fitting and popular theme to feature on numismatic releases around the world.

There are some truly spectacular tributes to the Year of the Snake that have either just been released or are being awaited with great excitement. One innovative release is the Laos 2013 2,000 Kip Lunar Snake Jade 2oz Silver Proof, which contains a ring of real Jade and a gilded snake to commemorate this special year.

The Perth Mint has released some special editions that not only focus on the Zodiac theme, but emphasise its importance to the numismatic community of which we are all a part. One such release is the 2013 $1 Berlin World Money Fair Edition Year Of The Snake 1oz Coloured Silver BU – a limited edition of just 5,000, specially prepared for the Berlin World Money Fair which was held last week.

The Lunar Zodiac theme is often used by mints around the world to showcase the very best in the art and science of numismatics. It is well worth studying these new coins to see what has been achieved and what the future holds for modern coin collecting, but there are so many exciting new releases coming out to celebrate and commemorate the Year of the Snake, it can be hard to keep up.

For a handy list of this year’s Lunar Zodiac issues from around the globe, click here to visit Downies.com’s special Year of the Snake page.

Have a great Lunar New Year!

A 30 year old mystery that is back in the public eye, in 1982 the Mickelberg brothers became the faces of one of the most famous gold robberies in Australian History.

An unsolved crime that involved the disappearance of 49 gold bars from the Perth Mint worth over $653,000, in 1983, six months after the event, the three brothers, Ray, Peter and Brian were found guilty of the conspiracy and sentenced to 20, 16 and 12 years respectively. With all three convictions overturned in 2004, thirty years on, the truth behind the Perth Mint Swindle continues to remain a mystery.

An event that shocked the nation and one that has never occurred again in the walls of the Perth Mint, today, the Mint executes top of the line security for the production of all of their products. Producing a huge amount of gold coins for the global market including the hugely popular 2012 $50 1/2oz Gold Proof 5-coin set and the 2012 $25 Diamond Jubilee 1/4oz Gold Proof, the Perth Mint continues to remain one of the most popular minting authorities across the globe!

2 days and over 2,000 sets – the 2011 Beijing International Coin Exposition East Meets West 1/2oz Two-Coin Set is undoubtedly one of the most highly pursued 2-coin sets this year. With over two thirds of the mintage selling out at the Beijing Show – after a lengthy search we have finally been able to secure a small allocation to offer to our most avid of collectors.

A release that combines the cultural elements of both countries – the East Meets West 1/2oz Coin Set features the Perth Mint’s renowned Year of the Dragon coin together with an iconic Australian Koala asleep in a eucalyptus tree. Struck as official Australian Legal Tender both coins are housed within an illustrated presentation card.

With only a small allocation secured from the mint – immediate action is obvious! Head on over to Downies.com to secure yours!

Spectacularly sought after, the 2011 Beijing International Coin Exposition 2-coin set has left hungry collectors frantically searching to secure their ‘East Meets West’ souvenir.

A culturally combined issue, the Perth Mint has intricately united elements of Beijing and Australia – delivering one of the most popular 2-coin sets of the year.

Struck from ½ ounce of .999 pure silver, each coin has been endorsed as official Australian Legal Tender and is fittingly presented within an illustrated envelope. Housing the signature Perth Mint Year of the Dragon coin issued for the highly anticipated arrival of 2012, the second coin pays tribute to an Australian Koala asleep in a eucalyptus tree.

With a tiny global mintage of just 2,888 sets, of which nearly two thirds walked out the doors in Beijing, we are currently trying to secure an allocation directly from the mint. For those interested in trying to attain what has been one of the hottest 2-coin releases of 2011, stay tuned to www.downies.com for further information on our allocations!

Dead, wounded and held captive – The Battle of Tobruk

8 months, 559 dead, 2450 wounded and 941 taken prisoner, in 1941 Australian troops endured intense bombing and constant threat of attack from both the German and Italian forces. Fighting through incredible heat, cold, thirst and hunger with unmistakable bravery, determination and passion - 2011 marks the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Tobruk.
Commemorating one of the first major battles that Australia fought in World War II, The Rats of Tobruk 1941 Special Exhibition is on display in the Canberra Memorial until November 16 2011.

A critical feat in Australian history, Downies is proud to present two Tobruk releases honouring our Aussie hero’s:

Genuine ‘Rats of Tobruk’ Medal Group

One of the most prestigious pieces of militaria to be offered by Downies – this genuine medal group awarded to Sapper Robert Charles Boulger – an Australian Serviceman who not only served at Tobruk but also managed to escape captivity in Europe in 1943. Comprised of ‘The Rats of Tobruk Medal’ received as testimony to Boulger’s service, the set also includes the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal. Accompanied by an array of personal memorabilia, this striking set allows the rare opportunity for a collector to connect with one of Australia’s true hero’s.

2011 $1 Tobruk 1oz Silver Proof

The second release in the Perth Mint's Famous Battles collection, this full colour reverse depicts the Australian soldiers at the siege of Tobruk. Struck to Proof quality from 1oz of .999 fine silver, this legal tender, 40.60mm release is a stunning tribute to the legendary Battle of Tobruk.

Majestic, Exclusive & Stunningly Rare!

An extremely exclusive tribute to a renowned Australian species, the second release in the sold out ‘Extinct and Endangered’ series pays tribute to one of the most distinctive birds of prey – the Tasmanian Wedge-Tailed Eagle.

Spectacularly powerful, forcefully independent and the ruler of the sky, the Tasmanian Wedge-Tailed Eagle is one of the most extraordinary creatures found within open plains, forests and mountains of Tasmania. Classified as endangered by both the Commonwealth and Tasmanian Governments, the Tasmanian Wedge-Tailed Eagle faces the brutal realities of extinction. With an estimated population of 1,500 with only 130 pairs capable of breeding, fierce efforts are being put into place to maintain this majestic creature in our skies.

Struck to Proof quality from .999 fine silver, the full-colour obverse portrays this remarkable animal surrounded by the rustic terrain of the Tasmanian Highlands. Superbly crafted from The Perth Mint’s highest minting standards, this 40mm Proof is housed within a glossy ‘birds-eye’ wood grain presentation case and accompanying numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

A truly spectacular second release, this official Australian legal tender coin is restricted to a tiny mintage of just 5,000. Available for purchase online, head on over to Downies.com!

For more information or to purchase online, please click on the appropriate link:

Australia

North America

Developed as a Government Initiative to raise awareness of our endangered species, National Threatened Species Day is an annual event held throughout Australia on September 7. Founded in 1996 to commemorate the date of the death of the last known Tasmanian tiger held in captivity in Hobart in 1936, National Threatened Species Day supports numerous activities geared to protect and conserve our immediate environment.

The perfect commemorative to celebrate this national campaign, the Niue 2011 $1 Last Tasmanian Tiger Lenticular Gold Plated Proof Like coin depicts ‘Benjamin’ in a stunning 8-part moving image design. Using original video footage of the last known Tasmanian tiger from 1936 - this tribute is struck as official Australian legal tender.

With a perfect partner also available in a 1oz 99.9% Silver Proof, each 2011 release forms the ideal tribute to one of Australia’s most famous icons!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uibIqRXVZXs

With celebrations for the long awaited Year of the Dragon already underway – The Perth Mint has announced their newest Precious Metal Series to commemorate the most popular sign in the Chinese Lunar Calendar and it will be undoubtedly one of the biggest releases of 2012!

With global demand soaring for all 2012 Dragon lunar releases, The Perth Mint’s 2012 Year of the Dragon Bullion Series has proved no exception to the surplus of demand throughout the numismatic market. With our allocations of the two 1oz precious metal coins comparatively tiny to the raging demand - Downies has subsequently sold out!

Issued as a nine-part gold series and a seven-part silver series, currently all other releases are still available - however stocks are limited. With size ranges including a 10 kilo, 1 kilo, 10oz, 5oz, 2oz and 1/2oz Silver Bullions and a 10 kilo, 1 kilo, 10oz, 2oz, 1/2oz, 1/4oz, 1/10oz and 1/20oz Gold Bullions together with a vast array of other Dragon releases, Downies has the ability to cater for every collector’s 2012 Year of the Dragon needs!

For those interested in securing any of the other releases in the series, head on over to Downies.com!

2011 $1 Tasmanian Tiger Lenticular Gold-Plated Prooflike

Celebrating one of the true icons of Australia’s natural and cultural history with the latest in 21st century minting techniques, this stunning tribute to the Tasmanian Tiger is most notable for its sensational Lenticular Moving Image. The reverse design features the very last of the species to die in captivity and has been created with the last known film footage of a live Tasmanian Tiger!

An animal like no other, the thylacine resembled a large short-haired dog with a head like a wolf, a backward facing pouch like a wombat, a stiff tail similar to that of a kangaroo, and a striped body that gave it the name ‘Tasmanian Tiger’.

The impact of human activity significantly contributed to the disappearance of the Tasmanian Tiger population, with disease, hunting and incursion into its natural habitat all having an effect. Considered a major threat to livestock, the last Tasmanian Tiger in the wild was shot by a farmer in 1933. It was in the same year that the last known surviving Tasmanian Tiger was captured and transported to Hobart Zoo and named ‘Benjamin’. The Tasmanian Tiger was notorious for its inability to survive long in captivity, and Benjamin died after only three years at the Zoo, passing away on the 7th of September 1936.The ideal subject for the application of Lenticular minting technology, this spectacular 40mm gold-plated legal tender coin captures perfectly the great beauty and fierce appearance of this intriguing, distinctive Australian marsupial. Enshrining a crucial artefact of Australia’s natural history within genuine legal tender, the vivid Moving Image design was created using footage of Benjamin taken by noted naturalist David Fleay at the Hobart Zoo in 1933. Given the employment of Fleay’s historic film, you could hardly imagine a more authentic, more eye-catching commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the death of the last known Tasmanian Tiger. A fantastic opportunity for our clients to enjoy this compelling combination of Australian history and state-of-the-art minting, the 2011 $1 Tasmanian Tiger gold-plated Prooflike coin represents outstanding value-for-money at the Official Issue Price of just $29.95!

• A stunning Lenticular legal tender tribute to the
  iconic Tasmanian Tiger
• Features Moving Image design - created using
  original footage of the last Tassie Tiger!
• Measuring 40mm in diameter, each Prooflike copper
  coin is finished in 24-carat gold!
• Set in an informative, attractive full-colour pack
• Very affordable at Official Issue Price!

2011 $5 Tasmanian Tiger Lenticular Silver Proof

Defined by a sensational Lenticular design, official legal tender status and flawless Silver Proof quality, this prestigious tribute to the 75th anniversary of the last Tasmanian Tiger is also notable for extremely limited availability. The mintage has been set at a crazy 3,000 coins! Like it’s gold-plated counterpart, the broad 40mm flan of this precious metal Proof features a vibrant ‘Moving Image’ design of Benjamin - the last known Tasmanian Tiger. A powerful illustration of the best in modern minting, this seamless, flowing Lenticular motif has been created from actual film footage of Benjamin taken by naturalist David Fleay! Complete with a Certificate of Authenticity attesting to the surprisingly low mintage of 3,000 - sure to sell-out at speed - this exclusive 25g sterling silver Proof is set in a plush case.

The original footage which was used to produce the lenticular design!
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uibIqRXVZXs?rel=0&w=490&h=397]