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Perth Mint releases quokka coin as part the happiest animal on the planet’s annual birthday celebration

Peter de KruijffThe West Australian
A giant version of the new silver quokka coin from the Perth Mint.
Camera IconA giant version of the new silver quokka coin from the Perth Mint. Credit: Perth Mint

Everyone will now be able to keep a quokka in their pocket with the Perth Mint set to produce 30,000 silver coins featuring the happiest animal on the planet.

The 1oz coins, made from 99.99 per cent silver, are being sold for $47.69 each and have been released in conjunction with a month of celebrations on Rottnest Island for the “quokkas’ birthday”.

Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said children under the age of 12 would be able to travel free to Rottnest Island for all of September as part of the celebrations.

He said a party will be held every Saturday during the birthday month with games for families and live music.

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The Minister said the tourist island was starting to come out of its slumber as we move into spring and the warmer months.

“It (Rottnest) was used for quarantine there for a while and we’re also coming out of the low season, there is a bit of a ramping up, this (birthday) is really going to launch the season for Rottnest,” Mr Papalia said.

“It’s going to push us into bigger numbers than last year.”

Perth Mint minted products general manager Neil Vance and Tourism Minister Paul Papalia with the new coin and a giant quokka.
Camera IconPerth Mint minted products general manager Neil Vance and Tourism Minister Paul Papalia with the new coin and a giant quokka. Credit: Perth Mint

Perth Mint’s minted products general manager Neil Vance said there had long been demand for the institution to coin a quokka but the public would have to wait no longer.

“Visitors to the Mint and many of our customers have asked for a coin featuring the much-loved quokka so we are delighted to bring this release to market and help to promote one of our unique and native attractions,” he said.

Half of the quokka coins, which feature the cheerful-looking marsupial on a beach-scape in front of a lighthouse, will be marketed overseas.

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