Kookaburra Penny, 1921, Type 11 • rare, affordable & unique • $30,000

The year 1921 was the final year of testing at the Melbourne Mint. Two penny variations on the kookaburra theme were produced in 1921, the Type 11 and the Type 12. Points to note about the coins is that the Type 11 is slightly rarer than the Type 12. And each coin has vastly different surfaces, the Type 11 proof-like qualities, the Type 12 satin surfaces.

The 1921 Kookaburra Pennies are the most available in the series. That is not a criticism, simply a statement of fact for both coins are scarce and relative to other Australian coin rarities are infrequently offered. A market is created when buyers and sellers interact, driven by a mutual interest in exchanging goods. This interaction establishes a price based on supply and demand. The reality is that you can't have a market without supply and it is the Type 11 and the Type 12 that creates the market for the Kookaburra coins, and sustains and excites buyer interest in the series. If every coin in the kookaburra series had the rarity of the Type 4 or Type 8, offered once a decade, you simply wouldn't have a vigorous market. Rare yet available within a reasonable time frame are the primes reason why the 1921 Kookaburra Pennies are so popular. 

The availability of the Type 11, and its affordability, makes it a very popular choice for buyers to enter the Kookaburra series. It is noted that the Type 11 Kookaburra Pennies tone, but they have glorious, brilliant proof-like surfaces.

Rarity - one of an estimated twenty to twenty-five known. Statistically, a Type 11 Kookaburra Penny would be offered annually.

Composition - Nickel 75% Copper 25%

Reverse - A kookaburra that is unique to the Type 11, designed by Australian artist Douglas Richardson. The kookaburra is large, the eye struck incuse, the tail with four feathers. The branch is low. The words ONE PENNY are featured  in one line across the base of the coin. 

Obverse - Uncrowned effigy of George V, portrait prepared by Australian artist, Douglas Richardson, the hair an off-centre part, softer facial features and the top of the head noticeably flatter. The circular legend reads GEORGIVS D. G. BRITT: OMN:REX, the date '1921' appearing below the portrait, separated from the legend by ornamental dots. The obverse is unique to the Type 11.