The Perth Mint has launched a new silver coin series entitled “Famous Ships That Never Sailed” which features ships from legend and literature. This makes an interesting accompaniment to the previous series “Ships That Changed the World”.

The first coin features the Flying Dutchman, a legendary ghost ship that was doomed to sail the seas for eternity. When sighted, the ship is seen in a ghostly glow and is believed to be a portent of doom. The reverse design depict the Flying Dutchman floating above a rough sea amid lightning.

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The second coin features the Pequod from Herman Melville’s classic novel Moby Dick. The ship is commanded by Captain Ahab in his obsessive pursuit of the white whale Moby Dick. The reverse design of the coin carries a depiction of the Pequod and the white whale.

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Both coins are issued as legal tender under the authority of hte Government of Tuvalu, with the obverse carrying the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, along with the monetary denomination and “2013″ date.

Struck in 1 troy ounce of 99.9% pure silver to proof quality, the coins have a diameter of 40.60 mm. The mintage is limited to just 3,000 per coin. Each comes packaged in a wooden display case in the shape of a book, along with a numbered certificate of authenticity.

The Perth Mint has started accepting orders for an array of new product releases. These include the annual Australian Gold Sovereign, the first releases for two new series featuring remarkable reptiles and treasures of the world, a special set to mark the centenary of the country’s first philatelic release, the latest release in the Birds of Australia series, and a high relief silver proof coin.

For collectors in the U.S., sales will begin for most coins at May 6, 2013 at 12:01 Noon ET. These coins can all be found as the first entries within the recent releases section on the Perth Mint’s website.

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The 2013 Proof Australian Gold Sovereign represents an adaptation of the original Type I sovereign first produced by the Sydney Mint in 1855. The reverse features a portrayal of St. Edwards crown and a laurel wreath with the inscriptions “Perth Mint”, “Australia”, and “Sovereign”. The obverse contains the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II with the “2013″ date and legal tender denomination of “25 Dollars”.

The Perth Mint had resumed the production of gold coins bearing the sovereign title in 2009, and has released a new coin annually. The latest release is limited to a mintage of 1,750 pieces.

Each coin is struck in 91.67% gold with gold content of 0.2354 troy ounces. The diameter is 22.60 mm and weight 7.9881 grams. The coins are housed in a presentation case with illustrated shipper and numbered certificate of authenticity.

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The 2013 Frilled Neck Lizard 1 oz. Silver Proof Coin represents the first release in a new series Australia’s Remarkable Reptiles. The reverse design depicts the Frilled Neck Lizard in color. When this lizard feels threatened, it is able to extend the frill around its neck like an umbrella. The depiction is bordered by a pattern of exotic reptile skin patterns.

The obverse of the coin contains the Ian Rank Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II with the “2013″ date and denomination. The coins are issued as legal tender under the authority of the government of Tuvalu.

Each coin is struck in 1 troy ounce of 99.9% pure silver to proof quality and comes in a presentation case and shipper with numbered certificate of authenticity. A limited mintage of 5,000 pieces is indicated.

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The Perth Mint has also released the first coin in a new series “Treasures of the World”. The format is similar to a previous series “Treasures of Australia”, which featured precious stones or other items in a locket contained within a coin.

The present coin features garnet, a gemstone that has been known for thousands of years. Classic garnet is red in color and believed to symbolize passion, fidelity, loyalty, faith, and truth. It is also an ancient symbol of true friendship. Significant deposits have been found in Europe.

Each coin incorporates a circular locket containing loose garnets. The reverse design features a European Alpine landscape with a chalet and Milk Vetch leaves. The obverse features the Ian Rank Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II.

Struck in 1 troy ounce of .999 silver to proof quality, the coins have a diameter of 40.60 mm and thickness of 4.50 mm. The maximum mintage is 7,500 pieces.

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The Kangaroo and Map Stamp and Coin Set is issued to mark the centenary of Australia’s first philatelic release. The product includes a stamp shaped coin struck from 1/2 ounce of 99.9% silver and measuring 30.5 mm x 22.7 mm. It features a recreation of the design of Australia’s 1913 Map and Kangaroo stamp.

Also included in the set is an official Australia Post $10 commemorative stamp.

Both are included in a wooden display case with illustrated shipper and numbered certificate of authenticity. No more than 4,000 of these sets will be released.

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The fourth release within the Australian Birds series features the Rainbow Lorikeet. This bird has a blue head and belly with green wings and an orange breast. It is depicted in color amidst representations of Australian vegetation.

Each coin is struck in 1/2 ounce of 99.9% silver with a maximum mintage of 10,000 pieces.

The Perth Mint has created a version of the 2013 Australian Kookaburra 1 oz. Silver Coin in stunning high relief. Perth Mint high relief coins are struck with obverse and reverse concave surfaces to achieve optimum metal flow.

Unfortunately, the current individual offering of this coin is listed as available in territories excluding the United States.

The Perth Mint does indicate that no more than 9,000 coins will be released in this packaging, out of a maximum mintage of 10,000. This seems to leave the door open to an additional offering or incorporation into a special set.

Other Perth Mint new product releases for this month include the following:

• Forest Babies 2013 1/2 oz. Silver Proof Coins
• 100th Anniversary of Australia’s First Banknote 1 oz Silver Coin and Stamp Set
• 100th Anniversary of Australia’s First Banknote Stamp and Coin Cover

According to a post on their blog, the Perth Mint has streamlined their silver bullion coin production amidst a surge in demand. The result is focused production on three options and a temporary suspension for the remaining options.

The Perth Mint has a very extensive bullion program, which includes multiple series with a wide array of different weights available. Some options carry maximum mintages, while others are produced to demand.

Here is a run down of the Perth Mint’s current silver bullion coin series:

• Silver Kookaburra – includes the sizes 1 oz, 10 oz, and 1 kilo. A maximum mintage of 1,000,000 applies to the 1 oz size, with no limits for the others.
• Silver Lunar Series II – includes the sizes 1/2 oz, 1 oz, 2 oz, 5 oz, 10 oz, 1 kilo, and 10 kilo. Maximum mintages are 300,000 for the 1 oz size and 200 for the 10 kilo size. Others do not carry a maximum.
• Silver Koala – includes the sizes 1/2 oz, 1 oz, 10 oz, and 1 kilo. There are no maximum mintages for any sizes.

The Perth Mint has focused production on the 1 oz and 1 kilo sizes for the Silver Kookaburra and the 1 kilo size for the Silver Koala.

Earlier in the week, I was searching for low premium silver options to take advantage of the decline in market price. As has been widely reported, premiums have soared for many silver bullion options, negating the impact of the fall in market prices. For example, premiums for American Silver Eagles have been as high as $6 or $7 over spot, which puts the price per ounce back over $30. Even traditionally low premium options such as bulk quantity 90% U.S. silver coins have seen premiums soar.

In my searches at a major bullion dealer, I did find the 1 kilo Silver Koala and 1 kilo Silver Kookaburra coins priced as low as $1.59 over spot. This was cheaper per ounce than basically all other government minted silver bullion products and even cheaper per ounce than 100 ounce silver bars from the same dealer.

Streamlining production and fulfilling demand for only certain sizes and products seems to have had the impact of keeping premiums low for the given products. This is a much better approach than limited production across all products, leading to rationing, unavailability, and higher premiums.

The Perth Mint has started accepting orders for a batch of new product releases. This includes the latest releases for the ongoing Land Down Under, Map-Shaped coins, Deadly & Dangerous, and Mythical Creatures series. Gold and silver coins are issued to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the coronation of Queen Victoria. Finally two new versions of the 2013 Australian Silver Koala are available.

For collectors in the U.S., sales will begin at April 1, 2013 at 12:01 Noon ET. These coins can all be found as the first entries within the recent releases section on the Perth Mint’s website.

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The Land Down Under series which launched earlier this year showcases aspects of Australia’s discovery, ancient culture, lifestyle, and iconic landmarks. The latest release features the didgeridoo, a wind instrument first used by indigenous Australians in ancient times.

The 1 oz. 99.9% pure silver coin features a depiction of an indigenous Australian playing the didgeridoo. The image is set against a colored outback scene of mountains and sunset framed within the map shape of Australia. The 1/4 oz. 99.99% pure gold coin features an indigenous Australian playing the instrument in an outback bush setting.

Both coins are struck to proof quality and housed within an Australian map shaped latex case with an illustrated shipper and numbered certificate of authenticity. The Perth Mint indicates that no more than 5,000 of the 1 0z. silver coins and no more than 1,000 of the 1/4 oz. gold coins will be issued.

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The latest release within the map-shaped coin series features the kangaroo, appearing against an idyllic sunset scene at Picnic Rocks, Tasmania. The previous releases of the series featuring the Kookaburra and the Emu have both sold out.

The kangaroo release has a limited mintage of 6,000 coins, the same level as the prior two releases. Each coin is struck to proof quality and contains 1 troy ounce of 99.9% silver. The maximum width is 40.60 mm and the maximum thickness is 4.50 mm. The coins are housed in a presentation case with illustrated shipper and numbered certificate of authenticity.

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The latest release within the Deadly & Dangerous series features Australia’s Yellow Bellied Sea Snake whose venom is more toxic than that of a cobra. The reverse design of the coin features a depiction of the snake a coral reef, star fish, and other marine life in the background. The obverse contains a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.

Issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of Tuvalu, the coins contain 1 troy ounce of .999 fine silver struck to proof quality. The mintage is limited to 5,000 with an initial ordering limit of one per member.

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The latest release within the Mythical Creatures series features the Unicorn. The coins’ reverse design features a colored rendition of a unicorn with a forest scene and castle in the background. A medieval banner contains a silhouette of a unicorn with the monetary denomination. Featured on the obverse is the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II.

These 1 oz. silver proof coins are issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of Tuvalu and carry a limited mintage of 5,000 pieces. Each coin comes in a display case with illustrated shipper and certificate of authenticity.

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Two coins are issued to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the coronation of Queen Victoria, the longest reigning monarch in British history. The reverse design of the gold coin features William Wyon’s original “Young Head” effigy of Queen Victoria. The inscriptions within an outer ring include “Queen Victoria 175th Anniversary of Coronation” and “2 oz 9999 Gold”. The obverse of the coin features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II with the “2013″ date and face value of “200 Dollars”.

The gold coin is struck to proof quality with a weight of 62.23 grams and diameter of 41.10 mm. The Perth Mint will release no more than 150 of these coins to commemorate the anniversary.

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A Queen Victoria 175th Anniversary of Coronation 1 oz Silver Proof Coin is also available. The reverse design features a colored depiction of the Coronation image from the 1840 Royal Collection painting by Sir George Hayter. An image of the Queen’s Diamond Crown appears at left. The obverse of the coin contains the Ian Rank-Broadly effigy of Queen Elizabeth II.

The coins are struck to proof quality with a weight of 31.135 grams and diameter of 40.60 mm. The Perth Mint will release no more than 5,000 of the 1 oz silver proof coins.

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A colored version of the 2013 1 oz. Australian Koala Silver Coin is being released. This coin features a depiction of an adult koala sitting on a branch of a eucalyptus tree surrounded by gum leaves. The tree and leaves have been colored.

These coins are being offered on a mint-to-order basis with the mintage declared 12 months after the release date. The coins come packaged on an illustrated card showing both sides of the coin and carrying technical specifications on the back.

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A one kilogram sized proof version of the 2013 Australian Silver Koala is also being released. This coin carries a maximum mintage of 500 piece and comes in a display case with illustrated shipper and numbered certificate of authenticity. Unfortunately, it is only available to order in locations excluding the USA.

Other Perth Mint new product releases for this month include the following:

• Mini Roo 0.5 Gram Gold Coin
• Australian Bush Babies II Platypus 1/2 oz Silver Proof Coin

The Perth Mint of Australia has started accepting orders for a batch of new product releases. This includes the latest releases in the Australian Opal and Australian Antarctic series, special edition coins from “Land Down Under” series covered yesterday, and two interesting releases which unfortunately do not seem to be available for ordering in the United States.

For collectors in the U.S., sales will begin at February 28, 2013 at 11:01 AM ET. These coins can all be found as the first entries within the recent releases section on the Perth Mint’s website.

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The third release of the Australian Opal series features the Kangaroo. This series which began in February 2012 has showcased nocturnal Australian animals crafted in pure Australian opal. The previous coins have depicted the Koala and the Wombat.

The latest release features the iconic kangaroo detailed within an inner panel of opal. The outer panel of the coin depicts Sturts Desert Pea leaves and blossoms, the first crescent moon, and the South Cross star group. Each coin contains 1 troy ounce of silver content and has a diameter of 36.60 mm.

The coins are packaged in a display case with a light that turns on when the case is opened. An illustrated shipper and numbered certificate of authenticity are also included. The maximum mintage is 8,000, the same level as the previous sold out releases of the series. There is a limit of one per member  for the start of sales.

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The tenth release in the long running Australian Antarctic Territory series features the Aurora Australis. This dramatic display of colored light can be seen in the night sky above the polar regions in the southern hemisphere.

The reverse design depicts a snowfield with a vehicle in the distance and  person watching the night sky. A colored representation of Aurora Australis is shown, which has been colored with glow in the dark ink. The image is framed within the map shape of Australia. This represents the first “glow in the dark” silver coin produced by the Perth Mint.

Each coin is struck in 1 oz of 99.9 silver and comes in a presentation case with outer shipper and numbered certificate of authenticity. The mintage is limited to 7,500 coins.

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The Perth Mint is offering a 5 oz. proof version of the 2013 Silver Koala struck in high relief. Unfortunately, this coin is listed as available in Australia only.

The mintage limit is 5,000 pieces.

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Another product release which is excluded for customers in the United States is the 25th Anniversary Platinum Koala Coin and Medallion Set. The 1/2 oz. platinum coin replicates the original coin’s reverse design and is accompanied by a 1/2 oz. silver medallion, as it was first presented in 1988.

The maximum mintage for this set is limited to 1,200.

Additional new releases for this month include:

• 2013 ANZAC Day $1 Coin Featuring Engineers
• Land Down Under Sydney Opera House 10 oz. Silver Coin
• Land Down Under Sydney Opera House 2 oz. Gold Coin