COIN REVEAL: 1995 Numbat - 40g Sterling Silver Coin

almost 3 years ago

Today's featured coin is the 1995 Numbat coin struck by the Royal Australian Mint. This coin is a 40g Sterling Silver Piedfort proof quality coin. This specific version of the coin was produced specially for the Melbourne International Coin and Banknote Fair, that was held from the 15 - 16 July 1995.

If you read my Sneak Peek post written on 5 May 2021: Sneak Peek - Coin Reveal, you will recognise the outer box of this coin as it was mentioned in that previous post.

Each Coin Reveal post as part of my Sneak Peek series features special collector coin that I currently own in my stack or one that I would love to own one day. The focus of today's post is the 1995 Numbat 40g Sterling Silver Piedfort proof coin.

The contents of each post will follow the same format and cover the five topics listed below.

1. Coin Story
2. Coin Packaging
3. Coin Details
4. Coin Design
6. Coin Protection

1. Coin Story

The Numbat coin was released by the Royal Australian Mint in 1995, as part of the AUSTRALIA'S ENDANGERED SPECIES series. This commemorative series was dedicated to four of Australia's native species struggling for survival. The Numbat is the fauna emblem for Western Australia. Numbats formerly had habitats across southern Australia, they preferred eucalypt forest areas, but they were also found in semi-arid woodland, and grassland areas.

Their population has decreased greatly, it is estimated to be fewer than 1,000 left in the wild. Some Numbats have been successfully re-introduced into fenced areas in South Australia, New South Wales and Western Australia. - source Wikipedia

source japari-library.com/wiki/Numbat

The goal of the AUSTRALIA'S ENDANGERED SPECIES series was to contribute to increased awareness of the Numbat, in an effort to help save the species.

These coins are readily available on the secondary market. On ebay.com.au there were a few different sold listing between AUD $45.00 - AUD $50.00. The 40g Sterling Silver (.925) spot price at the time of writing this post was at AU $40.80. The issue price from the Royal Australian Mint for these coins was AU $88.00 which means that the coin has lost large amount its collector or numismatic value.

2. Coin Packaging

The outer box is an oatmeal colour with green specks, an illustration of a Numbat is in the centre of the box. The text at the top of the box reads 'AUSTRALIA'S ENDANGERED SPECIES' with text near the bottom of the box that reads 'MELBOURNE COIN FAIR', the date '15 - 16 JULY 1995'and in brackets below reads (Piedfort).

Note: There is a standard proof version of this coin that is 20g Sterling Silver, so if you decide to purchase this coin please remember to check if you are buying the 20g or 40g coin, price your offer accordingly.

Each 40g Silver coin comes with an accompanying coin certificate, below is an excerpt from the certificate:

Certificate of Authenticity

This is to certify that the 1995 sterling silver $10 commemorative coin is one of just 1,000 struck by the Royal Australian Mint. This legal tender proof coin has been produced specially for the Melbourne International Coin and Banknote Fair, following the Royal Australian Mint's strict quality guidelines.

The 40g Silver proof coin is housed in a dark olive green clam shell case. On the lid of the case in silver print are the words AUSTRALIA'S ENDANGERED SPECIES (Piedfort).

3. Coin Details

a. Mintage

The maximum mintage of the 1995 Numbat 40g Sterling Silver Piedfort proof coin from the Melbourne Coin Fair (15 - 16 July 1995) was extremely limited at 1,000 coins. The coin was issued as legal tender under the authority of Australia with a denomination of ten dollars.

b. Purity

The 1995 edition of the coin has a purity of .925 sterling silver.

c. Details

Mint/Brand:	Royal Australian Mint
Purity:	.925 Sterling Silver
Denomination:	$10 (Australian)
Year of Issue:	1995
Edge:	Milled
Weight:	40g
Diameter:	34.00mm
Thickness:	5.00mm
Maximum Mintage:	1,000
Designer:	Vladimir Gottwald

4. Coin Design

a. Reverse Design

The reverse of the proof coin depicts an adult Numbat standing on a log looking for its next feed.

The design includes an inscription '10 DOLLARS' and 'NUMBAT'.

b. Obverse Design

The obverse of the coin portrays the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the words 'ELIZABETH II' and 'AUSTRALIA', with the year inscription of '1995'.

5. Coin Protection

Each 40g Sterling Silver coin is stored in an original mint plastic capsule. It is highly recommended that you keep your silver proof coins in their capsules, to protect them from tarnish, or scratches on the coin that could result from handling the coin.

When handling your silver coin, for extra protection use a pair of cotton gloves. Cotton gloves protect your coins from oils in your fingers that may cause discoloration, damaging the finish of the coin. I have formed the habit to use cotton gloves even when I am handling coins in their plastic capsules.