
Perth Mint Silver Swan
A silver bullion coin from the Perth Mint featuring the black swan, an emblem of Western Australia, with a fresh design issued in most years.
- Country
- Australia
- Denomination
- $1 (1 oz)
- Metal
- Silver .9999 fine
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Overview
The Perth Mint Silver Swan coin features the black swan, a bird closely associated with Western Australia and depicted on the state's own flag and coat of arms. The coin joined the Perth Mint's growing family of annually themed silver bullion releases, following the success of series such as the Kangaroo and Kookaburra.
Each release typically presents the swan in a new pose or setting, encouraging collectors to pursue a complete run of dates in the tradition of other rotating-design bullion coins from major world mints.
Struck in high-purity silver with the Perth Mint's characteristic proof-like finish available on premium versions, the Silver Swan has become a popular entry point for collectors interested in Australian wildlife-themed bullion.
History & Background
The Perth Mint introduced the Silver Swan coin in the late 2010s to expand its lineup of annually redesigned silver bullion coins beyond the long-running Kookaburra series. The black swan was a natural choice given its status as a significant symbol of Western Australia, the state in which the Perth Mint itself is located.
The coin quickly found a following among collectors who enjoy the Mint's tradition of high-relief wildlife artistry and yearly design changes, joining the broader portfolio of Australian bullion products issued under the authority of the Australian government.
How to Identify
The obverse of the Perth Mint Silver Swan carries the effigy of the reigning monarch along with the denomination and the words "AUSTRALIA." The reverse depicts a black swan, typically shown swimming or in flight, with the specific pose changing from year to year, along with the weight and fineness markings.
The coin is struck in .9999 fine silver, one troy ounce, and may carry the Perth Mint's "P" mintmark. Bullion, proof, and special finish versions are distinguished by their surface quality, with proof issues showing a mirrored background and frosted design elements typical of the Perth Mint's premium coin finishes.
Value & Collectibility
The Silver Swan's value follows the price of silver bullion closely for standard strikes, with a moderate premium reflecting the coin's design and the Perth Mint's reputation for quality. Limited mintage years and proof or special finish editions typically command higher premiums than standard bullion strikes.
As a relatively recent addition to the Perth Mint's lineup, the coin's long-term collector market is still developing, but early low-mintage years have already attracted stronger interest among specialists building complete date sets.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the coin depict a black swan?
The black swan is an official emblem of Western Australia, the home state of the Perth Mint.
Does the design change every year?
Yes, the Perth Mint typically updates the swan's pose or setting with each new release.
What purity is the coin?
It is struck in .9999 fine silver.
How is the proof version different from the bullion strike?
Proof versions have a mirrored background with frosted design elements, while standard bullion strikes have a more uniform matte finish.
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