The Gold Kangaroo is one of the world's three most traded gold bullion coins – alongside the Krugerrand and Vienna Philharmonic. With 170 products at CelticGold – the single largest gold coin series in the range – the Kangaroo offers unmatched depth in annual vintages, sizes and formats, all backed by the statutory guarantee of the Government of Western Australia and struck in 999.9/1,000 fine gold at the Perth Mint.
History – Gold Nugget to National Symbol
The Perth Mint launched its first gold bullion coin in 1987 under the name Australian Gold Nugget – named after the famous nuggets found during Australia's 19th century gold rushes. In 1989, recognising that the kangaroo was a far more universally recognised Australian symbol, the series was rebranded as the Australian Gold Kangaroo.
The pivotal innovation: every year brings a new kangaroo design. While the Krugerrand and Vienna Philharmonic maintain consistent designs year after year, the Kangaroo offers something fresh each January. This annual change creates a natural collector market for each year's specific issue – building both collector community and investment depth simultaneously.
The Gold Corporation Act of 1987 – the Western Australian legislation under which the Perth Mint operates – provides a statutory government guarantee on all products: weight and fineness are legally guaranteed by the State Government of Western Australia. Individual assay certificates accompany each coin.
Is the Gold Kangaroo as liquid as the Krugerrand or Vienna Philharmonic?
Yes – as a Perth Mint product with government guarantee and global LBMA recognition, the Kangaroo is immediately bought back by all reputable dealers worldwide. In European markets, the Vienna Philharmonic has a slightly higher market share; globally, all three are equally liquid.
Do older Kangaroo years sell for more?
Sold-out annual designs – particularly from the first decade (1989–1999) – attract collector premiums above current-year pricing. The rarer the year, the more significant the premium.
Kangaroo with certificate – is that important?
Yes – Perth Mint coins come with individual assay certificates confirming weight and fineness, backed by the Government of Western Australia's statutory guarantee. This provides the highest available level of authentication for a gold bullion coin.
