Gold Kangaroo coins, produced by the Perth Mint in Australia, are among the world’s most iconic bullion coins. First introduced in 1986 as the Gold Nugget series and later featuring kangaroo designs from 1989 onward, these coins are prized for their high gold purity (99.99% fine gold), exceptional craftsmanship, and annually changing designs.
Available in a range of sizes—from 1/10 oz to 1 kg—they appeal to both investors and collectors alike. Their legal tender status, limited mintages, and artistic appeal make Gold Kangaroo coins a standout choice in the precious metals market.
What Are Australian Gold Kangaroo Coins?
The Australian Kangaroo gold coin is produced by the Perth Mint in Western Australia. The Australian gold coins are 99.99% pure and can be bought in the following sizes: 1/20 ounce, 1/10 ounce, 1/4 ounce, 1/2 ounce, 1 ounce, 2 ounces, 10 ounces, and 1 kilogram.
The Australian Gold Kangaroo coin is highly sought after because of its purity, design, and connection to the country’s culture and heritage. It appeals to collectors as much as investors because the reverse design changes each year.
Australia’s best-known marsupial, the kangaroo, is featured on the coin’s reverse in ever-changing scenes. The obverse previously featured Queen Elizabeth II but has boasted the likeness of King Charles III since 2024.
The Australian Kangaroo gold coin is a tribute to Australia’s natural resources, long history, and contributions to gold mining. The coins are legal tender in denominations from $5 to $5,000, and their value comes from their gold content.
The Australian Kangaroo gold coin is one of the few that alters its face every year. Because of that and its low mintage, the coin enjoys a numismatic value higher than its gold value.
Brief History of Gold Kangaroo Coins
The Gold Kangaroo coin began in 1986 as the Gold Nugget series, a nod to Australia’s gold mining industry and its impact on the country’s economy and culture. The Gold Nugget series was introduced by Gold Corporation, a company that manages the Perth Mint and is fully owned by the Western Australian government.
The Gold Nugget ended in 1989, and the Perth Mint issued the Australian Kangaroo coin in 1990. This propelled the gold coin to new heights among collectors and investors.
The original Australian Kangaroo gold coin was associated with Stuart Devlin, known for his work on Australia’s decimal coinage. (Australia uses coins of 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, 1 dollar, and 2 dollars.) The kangaroo scene on the 2025 coin was designed by Neil Hollis, and the obverse features the head of King Charles III as designed by Dan Thorne.
In 2011, to promote its Australian Kangaroo gold coin, the Perth Mint struck the world’s largest gold coin. Called the Australian Kangaroo One Tonne Gold Coin, it weighs more than 2,200 pounds (1,012 kilograms), has a diameter of 31.5 inches (80 centimeters), and is 4.7 inches (12 centimeters) thick.
The coin contains 32,000 ounces of gold and has a face value of $1 million as legal tender. As of Feb. 19, 2025, its market value is approximately $94.5 million. The Guinness World Records officially lists it as the biggest gold coin.
Meanwhile, according to the NGC, as of July 5, 2025, the value of a 1-ounce Australia Gold $100 Kangaroo coin stands at $3,337.76.
How to Buy Gold Kangaroo Coins
You can buy Gold Kangaroo coins in person or online from the Perth Mint. However, if you are in the United States, you must purchase Australian Kangaroo gold coins through an approved distributor in the U.S.
Step 1: Open an Account
Online dealers require you to register or open an account. Typically, registering requires your first and last name, email address, and telephone number. You may have to create a password and agree to the site’s terms and conditions.
Step 2: Choose the Gold Coins You Want to Buy
When you’re ready to buy, sign in to your distributor’s site and search for “Australian Kangaroo.” On JM Bullion’s website, you can view photos of the Gold Kangaroo coins, the mint year, the size, and the price of the coin. Select the one you want by clicking on the photo.
Step 3: Make Your Purchase
Read the entire next page. It provides product information about the coin, the specifications of each coin, and details about shipping. You may also find a chart listing the quantity you may want to buy and the cost, which varies slightly depending on whether you’re paying by eCheck or wire transfer, cryptocurrency, credit card, or PayPal.
You can click the + or – sign to place your desired quantity in your cart.
Then:
- Click the “Add to Cart” button.
- Review the splash screen.
- Click the “Check Out Now” button.
- Select your payment method.
- Check out by clicking the payment button.
When you receive your gold coin depends on when your payment is received, how long the payment takes to clear, and the shipping method — ground or air — you choose.
How to Trade or Sell Gold Kangaroo Coins
When you’re ready to trade or sell your Gold Kangaroo coins, prepare to help the transaction go off without a hitch. Verify and understand the value of your coins. You need to know the mintage year, inspect the condition of your coins, and track the market price of gold.
Gather any documentation you have on the authenticity of the coins, including receipts. Work only with reputable dealers to avoid being scammed or receiving an unfair price. You can sell to local pawn shops or metal dealers. You can also find dealers online or join a network of collectors, or an investor community.
Remember that there are typically premiums and fees when buying and selling gold coins, maybe for shipping and handling if you’re selling online.
Consider Investing in Gold Kangaroo Coins
Gold Kangaroo coins offer a compelling blend of investment security and collectible appeal. With their .9999 fine gold purity, government backing, and annually changing designs, they stand out as a trusted option for both seasoned investors and first-time buyers. Whether you’re looking to diversify your portfolio or acquire beautifully crafted bullion, Gold Kangaroo coins provide lasting value and global recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to the NGC, as of July 5, 2025, the value of a 1-ounce Australia Gold $100 Kangaroo coin stands at $3,337.76.
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Yes, Australian gold coins—especially those from the Perth Mint like the Gold Kangaroo—are made of 99.99% pure gold (.9999 fine gold) and are considered genuine investment-grade bullion backed by the Australian government.
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The best 1 oz gold coins to buy are typically those with high purity, strong liquidity, and low premiums. Top choices include American Gold Eagle, Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, Australian Gold Kangaroo, South African Krugerrand, and Austrian Gold Philharmonic.
