1/10oz 2013 Explorers First Sightings Kangaroo Proof Gold Coin – Royal Australian Mint

Description

2013 Explorers’ First Sightings – Kangaroo 1/10 oz Gold Proof Coin
Mint: Royal Australian Mint | Country: Australia
Metal: 99.99% Pure Gold | Weight: 1/10 troy oz
Finish: Proof | Face Value: $10 AUD
Mintage: Limited to 1,500 coins

Part of the Explorers’ First Sightings series, this 2013 release pays homage to the earliest European artistic depiction of one of Australia’s most iconic animals—the kangaroo. The coin commemorates George Stubbs’ 1772 painting, commissioned by renowned naturalist Joseph Banks after his return from Captain Cook’s first Pacific voyage aboard the Endeavour.

Stubbs’ painting became the first kangaroo artwork by a non-Indigenous artist, published in the official account of the voyage. It marked the beginning of Europe’s fascination with Australia’s unique fauna and helped establish the kangaroo as a lasting symbol of the continent.

Obverse:
Displays the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II with standard inscriptions denoting her name, the issuing country (Australia), and year of issue (2013).

Reverse:
Features a beautifully detailed representation of Stubbs’ kangaroo, evoking the historical and cultural significance of early European encounters with Australia’s wildlife.

• Struck from 1/10 oz of 99.99% pure gold
• Proof finish for exceptional detail and mirror-like surfaces
• Limited mintage of only 1,500 coins worldwide
• Issued as legal tender of Australia with a face value of $10 AUD
• A tribute to the historic legacy of Joseph Banks, Captain Cook, and George Stubbs

This beautifully crafted gold coin captures a pivotal moment in history—Europe’s first recorded fascination with Australia’s iconic kangaroo—and makes a meaningful addition to any numismatic or historical collection.

Note: Stock may include coins purchased from the secondary market in good condition.