1989 $10 Birds of Australia - Kookaburra Silver Proof Coin in Presentation Box

1989 Royal Australian Mint $10 Birds of Australia Kookaburra Silver Proof Coin – 20g

Product Overview

The 1989 $10 Birds of Australia Kookaburra Silver Proof Coin is the first standard proof release in the Royal Australian Mint's Birds of Australia series, introducing a collection dedicated to Australia's distinctive birdlife.

Struck from 20 grams of .925 sterling silver, the coin contains 18.5 grams or approximately 0.5948 troy ounces of fine silver. Its reverse features two kookaburras perched together on a tree branch, beginning a series that would feature a different Australian bird on subsequent annual releases.

Issued as Australian legal tender with a face value of $10 AUD, the coin was produced to proof quality and had a mintage of 50,000. This example is supplied in its Royal Australian Mint presentation box with Certificate of Authenticity.

Key Features & Benefits

• 20g Sterling Silver Coin – Gross weight of 20 grams.
• .925 Sterling Silver – Contains 18.5g or approximately 0.5948 troy ounces of fine silver.
• First in the Series – The inaugural standard proof release in the Birds of Australia series.
• Kookaburra Design – Features two of Australia's most recognisable native birds perched on a branch.
• Proof Finish – Collector-focused finish with contrasting relief and reflective fields.
• Mintage of 50,000 – A defined production for the standard proof issue.
• $10 Australian Legal Tender – Issued by the Royal Australian Mint.
• Presentation Box & COA – Supplied with Royal Australian Mint presentation packaging and Certificate of Authenticity.

Design & Craftsmanship

The reverse depicts two kookaburras perched together on a tree branch. Designed by Horst Hahne, the composition captures one of Australia's most familiar native birds and establishes the wildlife theme that would continue throughout the Birds of Australia series.

The reverse also carries the TEN DOLLARS denomination and Hahne's HH designer initials.

The obverse features Raphael Maklouf's portrait of Queen Elizabeth II wearing the King George IV State Diadem, accompanied by ELIZABETH II, AUSTRALIA and the 1989 year-date. Maklouf's initials RDM appear beneath the portrait.

Authentication & Specifications

Mint: Royal Australian Mint
Country: Australia
Year: 1989
Series: Birds of Australia
Product Type: Silver Proof Coin
Metal: Silver
Purity: 92.5% / .925 Sterling Silver
Gross Weight: 20g
Fine Silver Content: 18.5g / Approx. 0.5948 Troy Oz
Diameter: 34mm
Thickness: Approx. 2.9mm
Denomination: $10 AUD
Finish: Proof
Obverse: Queen Elizabeth II
Obverse Designer: Raphael Maklouf
Reverse: Two Kookaburras on a Tree Branch
Reverse Designer: Horst Hahne
Edge: Milled
Mintage: 50,000
Packaging: Royal Australian Mint Presentation Box with Certificate of Authenticity

Packaging & Availability

This 1989 $10 Birds of Australia Kookaburra Silver Proof Coin is supplied in its Royal Australian Mint presentation box with Certificate of Authenticity.

As the first standard proof release in the Birds of Australia series, the 1989 Kookaburra provides the starting point for collectors building the annual collection.

Discover More

Explore our range of silver coins, including Australian proof coins, wildlife releases and collectible coins from the Royal Australian Mint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the 1989 Kookaburra significant in the Birds of Australia series?

The 1989 Kookaburra was the first standard proof release in the Royal Australian Mint's Birds of Australia series. It established the format for the annual collection, which continued with the White Cockatoo in 1990 and the Jabiru in 1991.

What makes the 1989 Kookaburra appealing to collectors?

Its appeal comes from a combination of its first-year position in the series, Australian wildlife theme, sterling silver composition and proof finish. The kookaburra is also one of Australia's most recognisable birds, giving the inaugural design a particularly strong Australian identity.

What is the difference between the standard 1989 Kookaburra proof and the Piedfort version?

Two distinctly different Birds of Australia Kookaburra formats were produced in 1989. This is the standard 20g sterling silver proof. A much thicker 40g Piedfort version was also produced with the same 34mm diameter, giving collectors two different formats of the inaugural Kookaburra design.

Why is the Kookaburra such an important Australian coin theme?

The kookaburra is immediately associated with the Australian landscape and is famous for its distinctive laughing call. Its strong Australian identity has made it a recurring subject on Australian coins, with this 1989 Royal Australian Mint issue representing an early dedicated kookaburra design within an Australian bird-themed collector series.

Condition Note: This is a vintage collectible. Minor imperfections to the coin, Certificate of Authenticity, presentation box or other packaging may be present and are considered consistent with age, storage and previous handling. Individual examples may vary slightly in appearance.