Most people associate coins with pocket change, but there are some coins out there so large and valuable that they’re almost impossible to comprehend.
There is one such coin, like this: the 1 Tonne Australian Kangaroo from the Perth Mint in 2012, which weighs in at a large 1,012 kilograms and is made from 99.99% pure gold.
This coin has a face value of AUD $1 million. It’s way more valuable thanks to the amount of gold it contains.
The Largest Coin in the World
The 1 Tonne Australia Kangaroo Gold Coin is the largest coin in existence, measuring 80 centimeters in diameter and 13 centimeters thick. This coin was issued as part of the Perth Mint’s popular gold bullion Kangaroo series, featuring the mint’s world-class capabilities.
This is an illustration of the workmanship more than a useful coin, as it has become an icon in numismatic circles.
Made to advertise Australia’s gold industry and indicate the mint’s skill, the coin was crafted. Culturally important, its iconic design includes a majestic kangaroo symbolizing Australia, a beloved animal heavily related to it as well.
Big Maple Leaf – A Canadian Giant
The 1 Tonne Australian Kangaroo is the largest coin, but another oversize coin is the Royal Canadian Mint ‘s Big Maple Leaf from 2007. It’s also a 100-kilo gold coin made from 99.999% pure gold, worth CAD $1 million in face value. The Big Maple Leaf does not have the face value; it has much more because it contains gold.
One of these Big Maple Leaf coins was stolen from a Berlin museum in 2017, making headlines around the globe and adding to the mystery surrounding the provenance of the objects. Melted down for it’s gold, a large loss culture and monetary wise.
Other Noteworthy Giant Coins
Other giant coins to take note of from around the world include the 15-kilogram Platinum Jubilee Coin from the Royal Mint commemorating Queen Elizabeth II’s 70th anniversary. Also, there’s the Chinese Giant Panda Gold Coin, weighing 10 kilograms and minted in 1991. While not as big as the Australian or Canadian giants, these coins are still highly prized by collectors as being very valuable.
Table of the Largest Coins
| Coin Name | Country | Weight | Diameter | Face Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Tonne Australian Kangaroo | Australia | 1,012 kg | 80 cm | AUD $1 million |
| Big Maple Leaf | Canada | 100 kg | 50 cm | CAD $1 million |
| Giant Panda Gold Coin | China | 10 kg | – | 500 Yuan |
| Platinum Jubilee Coin | United Kingdom | 15 kg | – | £15,000 |
For numismatics, the world is full of wonders, but few are as awe-inspiring as these enormous gold coins. The 1 Tonne Australian Kangaroo, the Big Maple Leaf, are not just large; they’re also masterpieces in the making. These coins are assets of great value, either as a country’s celebrations of its minting capabilities or as a celebration of cultural milestones.
FAQs
Q. Is the 1 Tonne Australian Kangaroo coin the largest coin in the world?
A. Yes, the 1 Tonne Australian Kangaroo is the world’s largest gold coin, weighing a whopping 1,012 kilograms and produced by the Perth Mint in 2012.
Q. What happened to the Big Maple Leaf coin?
A. The Big Maple Leaf coin was stolen from a Berlin museum in 2017. Melted down for its gold, it is thought to have been.
Q. Are these large coins legal tender?
A. Both the 1 Tonne Australian Kangaroo and the Big Maple Leaf, however, are legal tender, each with a face value of AUD $1 million and CAD $1 million, respectively.
Q. Can you buy these large coins?
A. These coins, while technically for sale, are worth so much that they are more of a collector’s item than anything else. It is displayed in museums or special exhibitions.